Cardinal Rule
2012 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
California: Sonoma County
Mission Briefing
The Spies have it
Welcome to the latest installment of our Super Spy Sunday where each Sunday we bring you a fantastic luxury wine at prices approaching 50% off!
Today’s SSS selection is the balanced, bold, Cardinal Rule 2012 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was a hit with our whole tasting panel.
Very highly recommended.
The Dry Creek Valley AVA in north eastern Sonoma county (north of Healdsburg) is somewhat warmer and wetter than the Russian River Valley AVA region just to the south and the Alexander Valley AVA just to the east. This warmer, wetter climate provides great versatility with regard to the types of grapes that can be effectively cultivated in the region.
Fruit and spice and everything nice on the nose, with bold aromas of black cherry, red currant, blackberry tobacco, spice box, briar patch, dark chocolate, subtle leather, plum and a hint of dried herbs.
On the palate, this wine strikes a balance between rich, juicy and earthy, with flavors of black cherry, black currant, dried cranberry, spiced black cherry candy, braised plum, savory herbs and a hint of black pepper.
This wine was made by our old friend, Erik Miller, of Kokomo and Amphora fame. Erik’s wines are well loved by The Wine Spies and their Operatives - and both Erik and his wines have been featured on many a Top Wines List.
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Inky dark maroon hues at the core, brilliant garnet at the edges. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Black cherry, red currant, blackberry tobacco, spice box, briar patch, dark chocolate, subtle leather, plum and a hint of dried herbs. |
| Taste: | Black cherry, black currant, dried cranberry, spiced black cherry candy, braised plum, savory herbs and a hint of black pepper. |
| Finish: | Super long and very plush as medium tannins add grip and intrigue. A crushed velvet dryness spreads from the center of the palate outward, eventually drying the palate, lips and cheeks. |
| Pairing: | Enjoy this deep, balanced Cabernet with a thick, juicy steak with your favorite sides and sauces! |
What the Winery Says
- Winemaker
- Adolfo Alarcon
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage
- 2012
- Appellation
- Sonoma County
- Abv
- 13.5%
- Production
- 650 cases