| Producer | Bedrock Wine Co. |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Sonoma County |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 19764 |
| Size | 750ml |
The 2023 Sonoma County Cabernet is a straight-up banger of a wine for the price. Cabernet did brilliantly in the extended 2023 season, developing loads of color and richness while holding onto great freshness and perfume. Based heavily on Cabernet from Bedrock Vineyard and Lazy Dog, this also has some declassified barrels of Monte Rosso and Montecillo. Just about 90% Cabernet, it also has 6% of the richly colored and remarkably expressive Malbec from Lazy Dog and touch of Cabernet Franc from a well-known vineyard on the other side of the mountains to the east. Fermented in open-top tanks using indigenous yeasts, this was aged in smaller 225- and 228-liter barrels of which 10% were new. This showcases the wonderful perfume of currants, mulberry and cedar of classic Sonoma Valley Cabernet combined with the richness of the 2023 vintage. I think this is the best version of this wine they have made yet.
Meant to be an entry-level wine, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County) is positively stellar. Black cherry, gravel, lavender, mocha, licorice and spice are all dialed up. In its first vintages, this bottling was made from leftovers, but in 2023 the approach is more deliberate, and it shows. Vineyard sites are Bedrock, Lazy Dog, Monte Rosso and Montecillo.
Range: 92-94
A hearty, structured and vibrant red with the classic cabernet aromas of black cherries and blackcurrants on a firm, full texture. Full tannins wrap around black fruit, espresso and dried blueberries that linger in the finish. Drink now or hold.
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from several vineyards, including Bedrock, Monte Rosso and Montecillo, and it was blended with 6% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc. Matured in just 10% new oak barrels, it has classic scents of cassis, bell pepper, cigar box, chocolate, aniseed and graphite. The full-bodied palate pairs firm, pleasurably grippy tannins with concentrated, nuanced flavors. It's balanced by juicy acidity and has a long, mineral-driven finish.
Coming from several sites, with the core originating from the Bedrock Vineyard, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County is expressive on the nose, featuring a fresh floral and savory perfume of crushed stones, plum, piney herbs, and fresh flowers. The palate is full-bodied yet light on its feet, with a cooling stony lift and refreshing acidity, complemented by an elegant, savory profile and notes of tea leaf on the finish. In the cellar, it saw a light touch, aged in only 12% new oak.
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