Lake Sonoma Winery Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma county is an extremely diverse viticultural area. The cooling coastal influence, the fogs of the river tributaries, and the differences in elevation and soil deposits dictate where each varietal is ideally suited. Lake Sonoma Winery was established in 1977, and in 1996 it was purchased by Heck Wine Estates, the parent company of Korbel, Kenwood and Valley of the Moon wineries. They are committed to producing wines that reflect the personality and terroir of the sub-appelations of Sonoma. From the Alexander Valley, they produce Cabernet Sauvignon; from the Russian River Valley, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; and from the Dry Creek Valley, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Alexander Valley Sometimes wine character is all about the place the grapes were grown and sometimes wine character is all about the weather the grapes experienced on their way to maturity. In the case of the 2005 Lake Sonoma Winery Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, both place and vintage played significant roles in creating a Cabernet of power and symmetry. Lake Sonoma Winery sources Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Sonoma County's Alexander Valley. Blessed with moderately fertile soils and a climate of very warm days and cool nights, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is typically distinguished by cassis and plum fruit, and supple texture. The outstanding 2005 vintage in Alexander Valley proved slightly unusual; a cool spring and very early bud break were followed by an unusually long growing season, one punctuated by a heat wave in September. As a result, Cabernet Sauvignon yields were reduced. The grapes displayed their distinctive fruit, but with uncommon intensity and structure. Gentle winemaking, including 28 months in French and American oak barrels, produced a Cabernet that expresses the character of the region and the character of the vintage in equal measure. Beguiling aromas of cassis, tobacco, mint and brown sugar abound in the 2005 Lake Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon. Cassis also highlights the mouthfilling flavours, together with blackberry, plum and a hint of black pepper. Dense and structured on the palate, its moderate tannins are balanced by moderate acidity, resulting in a full, lingering finish. While already approachable, this youthful Cabernet Sauvignon should evolve beautifully with a few years of cellaring. Just 4,200 cases were produced. Zinfandel 2005 Dry Creek Valley Whether its ribs, steaks, chicken, fish or links, dry rub or sauce, sweet or spicy, slow cooked or gently seared, the 2005 Lake Sonoma Winery Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel has the wine aspect of barbecue covered. With robust fruit and spice that pair deliciously with hearty fare, it is a wine to savour even when the arrival of winter weather forces cooking and dining indoors. Dry Creek Valley, widely acknowledged as California's best appellation for growing Zinfandel, gives the 2005 Lake Sonoma Zinfandel impressive berry character, but it is Lake Sonoma Winery's care from vine to bottle that gives it one-of-a-kind appeal. A range of vineyard techniques, from "opening" the canopy to harvesting when the grapes are physiologically ripe, but not overripe, provides generous fruit and balanced acidity. In the winery, gentle pressing after fermentation helps minimize tannin extraction and 18 months aging in small, mostly seasoned French and American oak barrels allows the wine to gain subtle complexity. The 2005 displays opulent aromas of raspberry and blackberry against a spice background; with aeration, a subtle note of vanilla also emerges. Raspberry and blackberry also dominate the generous flavours, accented by a hint of black pepper. Mouthfilling yet impressively polished, with seamlessly layered fruit and soft, elegant tannins, this Zinfandel remains silky smooth through its lingering finish. "In some ways recalling past CGCW favourites from Lake Sonoma Winery, this bottle affords a good look at well-defined berryish fruit. It shades a bit more to ripeness in this outing, yet it does not sacrifice itself to unmanageable heat. Still it is on the ripe and rustic side and will show best paired with well-seasoned, slowly cooked meats." 87 points, Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine, Jan 2008 "Lake Sonoma produces varietally pure wines at fair prices. This is a solid Zin, rich and spicy, with cherry-berry and cocoa fruit flavours framed in brisk, fine tannins. Will hold for up to six years." 90 points, Wine Enthusiast, April 2008 Gold Medal West Coast Wine Competition, May 2007 4 stars/90 points Beverage Dynamics, Nov/Dec 2007 Visit Lake Sonoma Winery All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability. Read the small print for more information.