Annadel Estate Winery

2008 Sonoma Valley

Anni’s Blend

$36.00 a bottle

I’m going to finish the year and found it only fitting to write my last blog on an incredible Sonoma Valley Cabernet Blend that I just recently discovered. Earlier this month I was invited out to Annadel Estate Winery in Sonoma Valley, California for a private tour and tasting with part owner and assistant winemaker, Abigail Zimmerman. Owners Dean and Abigail Zimmerman followed their dream, buying the ruins of a former winery and abandoned old farmhouse and turned it into what is known today as, Annadel Estate Winery. Making three varietals of wine most of which are estate grown, a Rose of Zinfandel, Zinfandel, and this incredible Cabernet Blend.

I was given a tour of the gorgeous grounds and vineyards that day by golf cart with Abigail. The history of the property itself was amazing. On my tour I was shown the old winery ruins, barns, and saloon dating back to the 1800’s. Really an unforgettable treat. After my tour of the vineyards and grounds we went back to the main farmhouse to open their three wines to taste. I fell in love with their Cabernet blend instantly. This Anni’s Blend is 100% Estate grown and is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Truly this wine is heaven in a bottle. This blend has aromas of dark berries, black currant, cigar-box and earth. Tasting first big bold blackberry and black pepper, and spices. This wine is definitely not shy with many structured palate pleasing layers. Anni’s blend finishes with a light coco and a taste of cedar. I was just informed that this 2008 is just about sold out but the 2009 is soon to be released. I was lucky enough that day to taste their library 2007 of this blend which was even more incredible. Definitely a wine to buy and hold onto if you can. Annadel Estate Winery does not have a tasting room and is by appointment only. If you are in the Sonoma Valley area and would like to try their wine’s you can contact Abigail Zimmerman for a private tasting (707) 934-7374. Truly a memorable experience and a remarkable wine. Cheers to 2012 and to many more amazing wine adventures in search for that perfect bottle!

J. Keverson

2008 Dry Creek Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

$34.00 a bottle

I’m happy to report I finally found a Dry Creek Cabernet that I love. I have tasted many different Cabernets from this region and found very few that I like. J. Keverson’s Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is pretty incredible. The winery is a hidden gem located in the heart of wine country, right off the Plaza in Healdsburg, California. J. Keverson winery is a small winery only producing 1300 cases a year. Making also Chardonnay, Brut Sparkling, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Syrah. I have been a huge fan of both their Alton Lane Zinfandel and Carneros Chardonny which I have blogged in the past. I was lucky enough awhile back to meet up with one of the owners and winemaker, John Hazlewood and taste a sample of this Cabernet Sauvignon from the barrel.

We both agreed then that this Cabernet was going to be great. Barreled in 25% New French Oak for 28 months. This wine now bottled and released is tasting awesome. Taking a 2011 Best of Class at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair and given 91 points from Wine Enthusiasts. J. Keverson's Cabernet Sauvignon has huge aromas of dark berries, slight raspberry and chocolate. This Cabernet is rich with flavors and huge structure with several palate pleasing layers. First layer is big, tasting of black berries and chocolate. Second layer tasting of spices and black pepper and finishing with earth and light oak. This wine has a huge beginning and a finish that will only dominate with age. The huge beginning of this Cabernet Sauvignon of black berries and chocolate is definitely my favorite part to this wine.