Laurel Glen Vineyard Releases 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
By Chilled Magazine
New Team Adds Intensity and Texture to Nuanced Flavor of the Past
Laurel Glen Vineyard today announced the release of its 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon to select markets. The 2009 Cabernet is the first vintage produced by the vineyard’s new team, led by Bettina Sichel. The new team is committed to re-establishing Laurel Glen Vineyard as one of California’s great Cabernets.
“Starting with our blending decisions, the emphasis is on the supple, silky quality of the tannins. A seamless wine, offering immediate pleasure without sacrificing Laurel Glen’s traditional long life in the cellar.”[/quote]
The new team took over at the beginning of 2011. The 2009 vintage was in barrel, unblended. David Ramey and winemaker Randall Watkins sold off almost 25% of the wine as bulk. Of the remaining wine, less than half became the 2009 Laurel Glen Vineyard Estate Cabernet. The wine was then aged for three years in new and one-year old Taransaud French oak barrels. It was bottled without filtration in early 2012.
About Laurel Glen Vineyard
Laurel Glen Vineyard, a thousand feet up the slopes of Sonoma Mountain, has long been considered one of the iconic Cabernet vineyards in California. Originally planted in the 1880’s, the modern vineyard was developed in the 1970’s by wine pioneer Patrick Campbell. In 2011, the vineyard and winery were sold to a group of investors, led by Bettina Sichel. Sichel and her team, which includes Phil Coturri in the vineyard, Randall Watkins and David Ramey in the cellar, are pursuing a long-term plan to restore one of the greatest vineyards in California. For more information on Laurel Glen Vineyard, events and tours go to