The Counselor River Pass Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
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Nick Goldschmidt started working with this seven-acre vineyard site 15 years ago. He ferments three blocks of hillside and benchland fruit separately and then blends to make this 100% Cab. Supple and luxe, you can tell the sunshine was generous for this vintage. A blackberry syrup is creamy and splashes on the tongue. Sage, lavender, black cherry, currant and nutmeg are among its attributes. The finish shows a coffee-bittersweet chocolate for a toasty quality that's balanced and delicious.
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It is the land that provides the ultimate counsel. With more than 20 years of experience in the Alexander Valley, winemaker Nick Goldschmidt takes his time, listens to the land for guidance, interprets the elements, and shares the creation. The River Pass Vineyard (part of Passalacqua Ranch, 5th generation Sonoma farmers) is located just north of Healdsburg in Sonoma County. Nick Goldschmidt has been working this site for 15 years. The site is divided into three sections, north, middle, and south and faces southeast. It receives gentle morning sun which permits longer hang-times and greater flavor development. The three blocks are fermented separately and then blended for best expression. Alexander Valley reds typically show red fruits in the nose and notes of herbs.
Nick Goldschmidt is an esteemed winemaker with over 30 years of experience. A native New Zealander based in Healdsburg, California, Nick is renowned locally and globally for his contributions to winemaking and viticultural advances. With a degree in Viticulture and a Post Graduate of Oenology from the University of Adelaide at Roseworthy, Nick began his career in 1982 with research positions in horticulture and viticulture. Nick then embarked on harvests abroad travelling to Australia, New Zealand, California, and Chile and Argentina, giving him an amazing range of winemaking experiences.
In 1990, Nick and his wife, Yolyn Goldschmidt, settled in Healdsburg, CA, as Nick assumed the role of Vice President and Chief Winemaker at Simi, pioneering their Land Slide program with a strong passion for the Alexander Valley region. Simi was first owned by LVMH and subsequently Constellation while he was there. Nick then mover on to hold Vice President and Executive Winemaker roles at Allied Domecq Wines and Beam Wine Estates overseeing Buena Vista, Clos Du Bois, Gary Farrell, William Hill, Mumm Napa and others covering eight countries.
In 1998 Nick and Yolyn established their own family winery with the release of Goldschmidt Vineyards. Their company has grown to include Forefathers, Boulder Bank, Three Daughters, Chacras, Fidelity and The Counselor. Goldschmidt wines are all single vineyard, 100% varietal, handcrafted; small production artisan wines that truly express their unique site.
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.