2016 Hanzell Cabernet Sauvignon

Hanzell Vineyards in California’s Sonoma Valley was founded in 1957 by James David Zellerbach, a member of the family that owned the paper products manufacturing company Crown Zellerbach Corp. Zellerbach had been a diplomat in Europe where he developed a taste for the wines of Burgundy, and his idea was to make similar wines in California. He bought 25 acres in Sonoma Valley and combined his wife Hanna’s name with his to come up with “Hanzell.” Some wine historians say Hanzell’s 1956 Chardonnay may have been the first in California to be made with new French oak barrels. After Zellerbach’s death the winery was sold several times, and it is now owned by the de Brye family. The winery is still best known for its Chardonnays and Pinot Noir.

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.