Winemaker Notes
SIMI 2018 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is dark garnet in color with a ruby edge. Toasty oak frames and adds depth to fruit aromas of dark bramble and dried blueberry, leading into intriguing notes of exotic spices and roasted coffee. Lifted aromas of juniper and subtle violet add generosity, layers, and aromatic complexity to this wine. Dark fruit dominates the entry with jammy black cherry and dark plum followed by black licorice, cocoa, and toasty oak with a spicy, lifted mid-palate. A bit of peppery cassis leads the finish with some dried herb notes and grippy tannins.
This Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant, juicy, and incredibly food friendly and not a puzzle to pair with. It will bring out the best in grilled portobello mushrooms, steak, short ribs, beef and veggie burgers, and hard cheeses.
Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Petite Sirah
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.