Winemaker Notes
The 2003 Scion is once again predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and is labeled as such. The wine is a hybrid between California and Bordeaux styles, structured and balanced with plenty of fruit. Winemeker Kevin Warren added Petit Verdot to the 2003 Scion blend, slightly changing the usual complement of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This addition is immediately noticeable in the form of light spice and violet perfume aromas and a mouthful of fruit with smoky, spicy overtones. The palate is complex and layered with dark cherry and plum, thyme and basil, and Eastern spice flavors slowly unfolding in the wine. Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, for which Robert Young is so well known, is beautifully showcased in this Scion vintage.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.