Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve King's Ridge Vineyard is aged in 100% new French oak. There are 600 cases of this serious Cabernet. It boasts a dense purple color in addition to aromas and flavors of minerals, creme de cassis, smoke, and toast. Full-bodied and powerful, with moderately high tannin, and a long, concentrated finish, it should benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and last for two decades (assuming the synthetic cork works as well as they say).
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.