Winemaker's Notes
All of our Cabernet Sauvignons could be labeled as Scherrer Vineyard designates, but they do not all speak of that origin to me, nor do they exist in harmony in the same blend. I prefer to separate them according to soil, rootstock and the type of personality the wines have. Then I can re-assemble them to their benefit. We usually have an Alexander Valley bottling (offered below) and a Scherrer Vineyard designate (2007 to be offered next year). Sometimes, I have some really nice, supple material that does not belong in either batch that I bottle simply as ‘Sonoma County.’ Such was the case in 2007. I used to call this stuff simply ‘Vin Rouge’ in my typical marketing anti-genius. I’m slow, but eventually get it.
Judi was shocked that this was all Cabernet Sauvignon when I sprung it on her blind at dinner recently where we were having salmon. It was so supple and generous, it was a surprising match. It was aged a full three years in barrel and only recently bottled, but is showing really well today. It’s ‘sneaky.’ It just sneaks from the bottle to the glass. It has the usual varietal character of cassis and plums with a hint of oak. We actually used a small amount of new French oak with this (not a way to stay in business and sell it at this price, though).
