# Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County (1996)

- **Producer:** Arrowood Winery
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, cassis, vanilla, cedar, mocha, leather, earth

## About this wine

The 1996 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County is a red wine from Arrowood Winery, a producer established in 1986 with a focus on age-worthy wines from Sonoma County. The winery sources fruit from sustainably and organically farmed vineyards across various Sonoma AVAs, including Knights Valley, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma Valley, with a particular emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon. The 1996 vintage is recognized for its capacity to age, demonstrating the region's suitability for producing structured, long-lived wines.

## Interesting facts

- Arrowood's 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon was recognized on Wine Spectator's Top 100 list.
- The winery emphasizes sustainably and organically farmed vineyards.
- This wine is a testament to the aging potential of Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Arrowood focuses on single-vineyard expressions to highlight terroir.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure and tannins complement the protein in richer dishes, while its fruit notes can harmonize with savory herbs and earthy flavors. Acidity helps to cut through the richness of fatty meats and creamy sauces.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the 1996 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon likely involved traditional techniques for Bordeaux varietals. Grapes were fermented, likely in stainless steel, with controlled temperatures to manage extraction. Following fermentation, the wine underwent aging in oak barrels, a standard practice for Cabernet Sauvignon, to develop complexity and soften tannins. The winery's commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices influences the fruit quality from the outset.