Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

A few days ago a sample of Blackstone showed up on my doorstep. So, we meet again my old friend,  Blackstone, it’s been nearly a year since we last spoke (click here for review). This time you come to me under a different cloak. Now appearing as Sonoma Reserve, my interest is piqued as I wonder, could we renew the love affair we once had but has grown estranged. Blackstone Sonoma Reserve, come on in, make yourself comfortable and let’s have a little chat….

Tempted time and time again, only to be let down and broken hearted by its indifference,

I approach the wine cautiously. The nose is filled with spices, vanilla and oak. Aromas carry over to the flavors bursting with cherry, toasted oak and plums and currants. The tannins are well structured and produce a wonderfully dry mouthfeel. As the wine temperature rose to slightly higher temp than reds are typically served, the flavors really came through.

Blackstone Sonoma Reserve was added to the Blackstone family as a way of offering different levels of wine at varying price points. The original Blackstone can be found around the country for around $10. Sonoma Reserve is priced at $17 and the difference in price shows in the higher quality wine.

Grapes sourced from premium vineyards in Dry Creek River Valley, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Coast and Knights Valley are hand harvested at night and shipped cold to the Kenwood winery. Skins are left on during maceration giving the wine its well structured tannins, flavors and color. The wine is then barrel aged for 20 months before bottling.

Blackstone Sonoma Reserve, you really stepped up to the palate, er I mean plate this time. I hear you have Merlot counterpart, can’t wait to meet up. This wine paired divinely with salty hard cheeses and cured meats.

My rating -  Too good to put down.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

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