Arrowood Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 & 1998 mini-vertical
Arrowood Winery is one of the gems of Sonoma County, nestled against the hillside overlooking the Sonoma Valley just outside the town of Glen Ellen. Proprietor Richard Arrowood was winemaker at Chateau St Jean before setting out on his own in partnership with his wife Alis. The winery is modeled after a New England farmhouse at the brow of the hill tucked behind and above small vineyards. We visited Arrowood during our Sonoma visits in 2007 and 2009.
This mini-vertical tasting featured the 1996 and 1998 vintages. The 1996 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon was still holding after fifteen years. Garnet colored, medium bodied with moderate tannins it shows muted black cherry and black currants fruits accented by spice and a hint of anise and cedar on a modest finish.
RM 89 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3599
The 1998 was less polished and less structured by comparison and was beginning to show its age with a slight rust hew. The aroma and flavors revealed a slight hint of tart cherry before turning to slightly sweet black berry and plum fruit with a layer of cassis, an earthy leather layer with hint of toasty oak and spice on the modest short finish. Tasted from magnum.
RM 88 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=12044
These wines were served at family dinner gathering to celebrate Lucy's birthday and dedication at the Compass Church. They were great complement to roast beef, green bean casserole, brussel sprouts in cheese sauce and chocolate cake.
This mini-vertical tasting featured the 1996 and 1998 vintages. The 1996 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon was still holding after fifteen years. Garnet colored, medium bodied with moderate tannins it shows muted black cherry and black currants fruits accented by spice and a hint of anise and cedar on a modest finish.
RM 89 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3599
The 1998 was less polished and less structured by comparison and was beginning to show its age with a slight rust hew. The aroma and flavors revealed a slight hint of tart cherry before turning to slightly sweet black berry and plum fruit with a layer of cassis, an earthy leather layer with hint of toasty oak and spice on the modest short finish. Tasted from magnum.
RM 88 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=12044
These wines were served at family dinner gathering to celebrate Lucy's birthday and dedication at the Compass Church. They were great complement to roast beef, green bean casserole, brussel sprouts in cheese sauce and chocolate cake.