We always love showcasing wineries that are new to us, and today’s offering is particularly exciting. Today’s 2015 1221 “Cabernet Cuvee” Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is a darkly rich, uber tasty Dry Creek Valley Cabernet that our whole tasting panel adores. This wine was made by superstar winemaker, Dawne Sacchetti who leads winemaking at Chateau Diana, where today’s wine was born.

This Sonoma Cab has a nice purple-red hue with medium density and great color consistency. The nose is interestingly nuanced with hints of slate minerality, raspberry, coffee beans, anise, and allspice. On the palate, the coffee beans have been made into a tasty mocha and the raspberry into a raspberry ganache. Meanwhile, it adds mature notes of pipe tobacco and leather. It’s full-bodied with a rich mouthfeel that develops wonderfully, from the time it first passes your lips until the moment you swallow (and beyond!) Perfect alongside a thick slice of tri-tip with Santa Maria seasoning.

This wine was made by Dawne Sacchetti who, after working in the lab at Buena Vista Winery went on roles in viticultural, enology and winemaking at Cline Cellars, landed the lead winemaking position at family-owned Chateau Diana in Dry Creek Valley. When asked how she approaches life and winemaking she replied, “It’s really all about balance, isn’t it?”

The Dry Creek Valley AVA in northeastern Sonoma (north of Healdsburg) County is somewhat warmer and wetter than the neighboring Russian River Valley AVA region just to the south, and the Alexander Valley AVA just to the east. The warmer and wetter climate provides great versatility with regard to the types of grapes that can be effectively cultivated in the region.

Enjoy!