2011 Arrowood Smothers-Remick Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Arrowood Vineyards and Winery was founded in Sonoma, California, in 1986 by Richard and Alis Arrowood. Richard was the original winemaker at Chateau St. Jean and while there produced some of the state’s first single-vineyard wines. Arrowood’s first vintage under his own label was 1987, and in 1990 Richard left Chateau St. Jean to devote himself full time to Arrowood. Since then the 20-acre estate, half of which is in Sonoma Valley and half in the Russian River Valley, has been acquired first by Robert Mondavi then by the wine and spirits conglomerate Constellation. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that despite the change in ownership “things have changed little, which is good news for wine consumers, as this has long been a noteworthy source for beautiful white and red wines. Arrowood has no weak spots in its portfolio.”

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.