Winemaker Notes
The Sentinel Cabernet Sauvignon is named for the shield-shaped block that casts a watchful eye on the entrance to Monte Rosso Vineyard. It’s a beautiful deep crimson color and a muscular, mouthfilling wine with full tannins and intense, concentrated fruit. Savory aromas mix with lavender and dark fruit, leading to a rich mouthfeel with waves of dark cherry, blackberry and a touch of spice. The extend finish melds the fruit together with hints of nutty toasted oak, pecan praline and caramel. The full, balanced structure gives this Cabernet tremendous aging potential.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a juicy, wellintegrated and softly textured red wine, powerfully built in ripe fruit and tannin. Blueberry, cassis and red currant complement the savory mocha edge before a pronounced finish of toasted oak.
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.