2005 Deerfield Ranch Red Rex

Deerfield Ranch Winery is in Kenwood, in Sonoma Valley. It was founded by Robert Rex and his wife. Rex has been making wine since the 1970s and has also worked as a consulting winemaker. The estate produces about 15,000 cases a year made from grapes sourced from 26 vineyards in Sonoma County. Deerfield makes a broad portfolio of wines, from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Meritage blends, to Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and dessert wines.

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.