Winemaker Notes
The fruit for Moon Mountain 2004 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was 100% estate grown, hand harvested and field sorted into small bins. Fermentation took place in open-topped tanks, with each lot handled separately. The wine is 100% free run (the juice that flows freely from the grapes without pressing). Barrel aging took place in Moon Mountain's deep caves, which provide a constant temperature of 60ºF and very high humidity. They used 100% French oak barrels, 75% of which were new, and aged the wine for 21 months before lightly filtering and bottling.
This boldly flavored Cabernet Sauvignon is rich in mountain blackberry and ripe currant flavors accented by hints of wild Sonoma sage, cedar and roasted coffee.
Pair this wine with rich foods such as grilled filet mignon, roast rack of lamb and hard, aged cheese.
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.