Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Laurel Glen Counterpoint
Cabernet Sauvignon
In music ‘counterpoint’ is the relationship between voices that are harmonically interdependent yet independent in rhythm and contour. There is no word that we could find that could better express the relationship between this wine and our flagship Laurel Glen Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Following the contours of the distinctive Sonoma Mountain appellation, we were able to bring together Cabernet Sauvignon from Laurel Glen Vineyard and Merlot from Pickberry Vineyards to create a unique voice that expresses itself greater than the sum of its parts. The challenge was to find Sonoma Mountain fruit selections that were complex enough to engage, and yet seductively approachable. We are pleased to have accomplished this.
Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon beautifully reflects the pedigree synonymous with Laurel Glen Vineyard, while establishing itself as uniquely harmonious and stylish. For the astute buyer this wine will dress up for a special occasion and at the same time remain a dependable value that you can share (or not) in full confidence that pleasure will result from every bottle opened.
VINEYARD FACTS:
Laurel Glen Vineyard: 14 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 1st planted in 1968, CCOF Certified Organic.
Pickberry Vineyards: 30 acres of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, 1st planted in 1986
2018 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2018 growing season was longer and cooler than had been the case in many years. The consistent growing conditions and milder temperatures allowed the grapes to mature slowly and evenly. Many winemakers are comparing 2018 to the much lauded 2012 vintage, due to the extended ripening time, fantastic balance and excellent concentration in the grapes. The mild weather also allowed us to take our time and pick each block as it became optimally ripe. As a result, harvest lasted almost a month, from September 27th to October 22nd. Additionally, after three years of extremely
small yields, we were blessed in 2018 with the most abundant harvest since 2014.
Randall's Tasting Notes: "Lovely aromas of plum and dark rasberry. In the mouth, the wine unfolds in layers of spice and anise. The finish is fresh and bright with a focused minerality and tannins that are firm, round and delicious."
Virginie Boone's Tasting Notes for Wine Enthusiast: "Crisply focused in currant, dried herb and cedar, this is a classically structured red that is vibrantly approachable and ample to drink in its youth. With just 30% new French oak, it delivers forested earthiness and high-toned freshness that complement each other well for a very fair price." - 93 Points
2017 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon
We had fire in our vineyard in 2017 and some fruit was picked after the fires. Randall Watkins was very creative with methods to mitigate smoke taint. One of our favorites was saving the grape skins from lots picked and pressed before the fires; pressing off some of the fruit picked after the fires immediately; discarding the skins and fermenting that juice on the skins of the pre-fire lots. We also sold a couple of hundred cases worth of 2017 as bulk wine – wine that didn’t live up to our quality standards. The result is a mere 808 cases of 2017 Counterpoint, half the usual amount, and a worthy successor to the 2016.
ACCOLADES
92 points, Wine Enthusiast: "Blended with 20% Merlot from Pickberry Vineyard, this otherwise estate wine is bright and earthy, with soft, accessible tannin and integrated oak. Smooth and velvety in cassis and cherry, it expands with bright, juicy freshness and rich dark raspberry."
2016 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points, JebDunnuck.com: "Laurel Glen has turned out a fabulous 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Counterpoint . . . Lots of red currants, black cherries, dried flowers, bouquet garni, and tobacco leaf notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, rounded, beautiful wine that has upfront appeal yet the balance and class to evolve for 15+ years."
2015 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points, Wine & Spirits Magazine: "The 2015 is a floral celebration with earthiness driving its flavors. The fruit is ripened to the point of fatness, juicy black plum and tart-sweet blackberry flavors tasting bright and fresh . . . You'd be hard pressed to find many California cabernets of this quality for $50."