1996 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
Vintage
1996
Price
$16
Release Date
May 1998
Appellation
Sonoma County
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Alexander Valley - Raggio, Wasson, Blue Rock, Lile, Parker & Sterling, Ash Creek
- Dry Creek - Carreras, Taylor, Larga Vista, Pusich & Okaya
- Sonoma Valley - Sunny Slope, Rancho Salina and Atwood
- Mendocino - Bells Echo
- Sonoma Mountain - Benziger Estate Vineyard
- Sonoma County - Redwood Hill
- Paso Robles - Shell Creek
- Santa Maria - Bien Nacido
Grapes
- 90% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 3% Merlot
- 3% Cabernet Franc
- 2% Malbec
- 2% Petit Verdot
Vintage
The early harvest in 1996 caused concern that grapes would have to be picked before they had fully developed in flavor, intensity and complexity. But by using very strictly controlled irrigation, Benziger was able to extend the grapes' time on the vine long enough to obtain the qualities they sought, and the best possible fruit given the early harvest. The grapes for these wines were harvested between September 17 and October 21.
Vinification
Thirty-six lots of grapes from these 23 ranches were individually culled, and some were cold soaked for three days at 45° Fahrenheit, prior to fermentation for between seven and eight days at 80° - 90° in open and closed top fermentors. Because of the vintage, Benziger racked more frequently than normal and also very carefully managed the wines' barrel aging, in terms of time and oak type. The wines were aged, 85% in American and 15% in French oak barrels, for between 12 and 14 months. Benziger also tasted the lots more often than normal and rejected a significant percent, keeping only the cream of the crop. The wines were then blended, and bottled in April, 1998. Alcohol 13.5%, total acidity .69, pH 3.52, residual sugar .04. 30,000 cases produced.
Tasting Notes
A ripe wine with powerful and mature fruit. Cherry, plum and vanilla with hints of cedar and spice on the nose. Concentrated and rich yet supple. It should continue to develop for 5-7 years though it is excellent now, especially with steak, leg of lamb and beef stew.