Winemaker Notes
The later growing season afforded a beautiful balance of acid, fruit, and tannins; in fact, the wine tastes unusually drinkable right now. The dark core extends to the rim of the glass in a firm, bright purple rim; the nose is dark and deep, with layers of ripe black berry and cassis tones below the distinctive Laurel Glen exotic spice top-notes. What is really atypical for the vineyard is the immediately smooth and silky mouthfeel: normally, Laurel Glen wines need a couple of years to achieve this level of balance. This is a lovely wine right now, but I suspect time will allow it to blossom into a wine of greater profundity. Will we be able to wait?
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
While Sonoma County is acclaimed—and rightfully so—for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Zinfandels, it also produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Of the region’s 18 American Viticultural Areas, only a handful produce top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon. These appellations include Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignons made in these appellations can offer a complex array of aromas and flavors. Fruit notes such as blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry and raspberry often are accompanied by hints of graphite, dusty earth, cigar box, toast and vanilla. The varietal has a rich history in Sonoma, and some of these Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-based blends rival the best from Napa Valley.