Blackstone Winery – 2007 Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

January 26, 2010

The Facts:

In addition to the selections from Blackstone Winery that can be found on just about every wine and liquor store shelf they also have some reserve style selections that are produced in smaller, though still significant, numbers. The Blackstone 2007 Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is made using fruit from five appellations. With 41%, Dry Creek Valley represents the largest contributor. Sonoma Valley (21%), Sonoma Coast (20%), Knights Valley (13%), and Red Hills (5%) are the others. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), this wine includes Cabernet Franc (7%), Petit Verdot (4%) and Malbec (2%). Barrel aging was accomplished over a period of 20 months in a combination of French (60%), Hungarian (20%) and American (20%) oak; 30% of the barrels were new. 17,000 cases of this selection were produced and the suggested retail price is $19.99.

Gabe’s Take:

I’m always glad to see a non-resident winery using Dry Creek Valley fruit. When it’s one with a household name like Blackstone it can only help the recognition factor of Dry Creek Valley for folks who aren’t as familiar with it. I was particularly happy to see that they’re making a Cabernet using a good chunk of fruit from Dry Creek since I believe this is one of the varietals people don’t associate with the area as much as they should.

Leather, ripe berry and vanilla aromas lead the nose of this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Crushed black cherries flavors alternate with red cherry notes as both are in abundance throughout the palate. These are joined by lots of plum and blueberry characteristics. Hints of chocolate emerge mid-palate along with plum pudding spice and continue through the finish which includes minerals, earth and hints of tobacco.

This is a solid Sonoma County Cabernet. It does an admirable job showing off the Dry Creek Valley fruit that stands at its core. With just a little bit of air this wine is smooth and accessible with more than sufficient complexity for its relatively modest price point.

Please vote for Drink Dry Creek! 

Posted by Gabe | Filed Under Cabernet Sauvignon, Gabe, Non-Resident Winery, Wine, Wine Review 

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