1997 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
Vintage
1997
Price
$16
Release Date
August 1999
Appellation
Sonoma County
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Alexander Valley - Blue Rock, Lile, Ash Creek, Wattle Creek and Pusich
- Dry Creek - Larga Vista, Okaya, Meeker, Sandhu and Carreras
- Sonoma Valley - Rancho Salina, Horn and Sunny Slope
- Mendocino - Bells Echo
- Sonoma Mountain - Benziger Estate Vineyard
- Sonoma County - Redwood Hill
- Central Coast - Shell Creek, Bien Nacido and Hat Farming
Grapes
- 85% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 5% Cabernet Franc
- 1% Merlot
- 1% Malbec
- 4% Petite Sirah
Vintage
The early harvest in 1997 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 the winemakers sought. The result was a larger than average crop of well-ripened grapes with excellent acid development.
Vinification
Thirty-three lots of grapes from 18 ranches were individually culled. Some were cold soaked for three days at 45° Fahrenheit prior to fermentation for seven to fifteen days at 80° - 90° in open and closed top fermentors. Fermentation times for this vintage were lengthened to increase tannins and to extract maximum depth of flavor. 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 12 to 14 months. Benziger also tasted the lots more often than normal and rejected a significant percentage, selecting only the finest lots for the final blend. The wines were then blended, and bottled in June 1999. Alcohol 13.5%, total acidity .58, pH 3.62, residual sugar .03. 39,000 cases produced.
Tasting Notes
This is a classically structured, full-bodied Cabernet with a range of flavors, good tannin foundation and an acid balance which underscore the varietal character. Color is deep purple; aromas are of blackberry, plum, smoked oak and worn leather; flavors are of ripe berries, deeply toasted oak and spice with an intriguing varietal-herbal undercurrent.