2017 Senses Cabernet Sauvignon

Senses Wines is a new Sonoma Coast estate founded by three childhood friends with complementary skills and a shared passion for wine. Chris Strieter has an advanced degree in finance and worked with Williams Selyem before taking charge of business at Senses Wines. Max Thieriot grew up working on his family’s vineyards and he oversees operations and vineyard management, among other tasks. Max Thieriot is also an actor known for his work in such movies as House at the End of the Street and Chloe, and such television mini-series as Bates Motel and Texas Rising. Myles Lawrence-Briggs manages production with consulting winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, one of California’s most admired winemakers. Senses Wines sources grapes from Sonoma Coast vineyards owned by parents of the founders. Those estate vineyards are B.A. Thieriot Vineyard, owned by Cameron and Bridgit Thieriot, and Hillcrest Vineyard, owned by Carl Briggs and Lisa Lawrence. Senses also sources grapes from Charles Heintz and Terra de Promissio Vineyards. Debut releases were 2013 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wines are generally available only via the estate’s mailing list.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.