1997 Gallo of Sonoma Estate Northern Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Gallo Family Vineyards is an off-shoot of E & J Gallo Winery, which is one of California’s historic wine producers. Brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo were selling grapes from the family vineyards when prohibition ended, and in 1933 they decided to start making wine. They taught themselves winemaking from library books and were soon selling large amounts of bulk wines. By the 1990s E & J Gallo had 25% of the American wine market and today it has become a major exporter of American wines. E & J Gallo makes, markets and distributes wine under more than 60 labels, including Andre sparkling wine, Carlo Rossi and Barefoot Wines. However in 1977 the family also decided to make premium wines, and the Gallo Family Vineyards label produces a large portfolio of red, white and rose wines.

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.