2009 Kamen Kashmir Cabernet Sauvignon

Kamen Estate Wines was established in 1980 by Robert Mark Kamen, a Hollywood screenwriter with a long string of successful films, including The Karate Kid series. A native of New York City, Kamen bought the 280 acres that is now his estate after the sale of his first screenplay. Until 1996 Kamen’s grapes were sold to premium Sonoma producers, but after a major fire destroyed many vines Kamen replanted and decided to produce his own wines. The first release of Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon was in 1999. Mark Herold is winemaker. The estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Grenache and blends.

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.

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.