Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Trade Tools
America / Sonoma County
Fruit for our Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon comes from estate vineyards in the Sonoma and Russian River Valleys, as well as from growers in Sonoma County’s other top appellations, including Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley. Each carefully selected vineyard contributes distinctive and individual qualities to the finished wine. All grapes are gently de-stemmed before cold-soaking for two days to extract optimal color and flavor. The fruit is fermented in separate lots, allowing each lot to be individually and distinctly crafted before being aged in French oak barrels, 20% new. The wines are kept 18 months in barrel before final blending.
89 Points
Wine & Spirits
2017 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2017 growing season started out wet with record-breaking rainfall refreshing our vineyards after several dry years. The mild spring led to timely bud break and good fruit set, followed by ideal conditions of cool mornings and warm, sunny days throughout the summer months. Our first grapes of the season were “blessed” on August 25, officially beginning the St. Francis harvest. A few days of intense heat at the beginning of September sped up ripening throughout the region. Well-timed picks throughout the month meant the majority of fruit was in by the first week of October. Beautiful color, well-defined aromatics and outstanding flavor are all evident in this year’s vintage.
Tasting Note
Balanced and vibrant, this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon shows off expressive aromas and flavors of dark, red fruits and berries with notes of black licorice, cocoa powder, dried sage and toast. The oak is well-integrated for good structure and a smooth, lingering finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
PH: 3.65
ABV: 14.8%
AGING: 18 months 100% French Oak
Unique Selling Points
- A rich, full-bodied California Cabernet
- Matured for 18 months in oak barrels for a complex flavor
"I've created a classic Cabernet Sauvignon with good structure and rich, dark fruit flavors that linger on the palate."
Chris Louton, Winemaker
About the Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is adaptable to various growing conditions, and is known for its low yield and late ripeness. It generally produces full-bodied wines with substantial acidity and tannins.
