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Sonoma County

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.

1976 Dehlinger Zinfandel

Light capsule condition issue; light signs of past seepage; mid shoulder fill; heavy label condition issue

1976 Mill Creek Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

Base neck fill; light label condition issue

1977 Sonoma Vineyards Alexander's Crown Cabernet Sauvignon

Light capsule condition issue; lightly elevated cork; base neck fill; light label condition issue

1978 Dehlinger Zinfandel

Light capsule condition issue; light signs of past seepage; mid shoulder fill; label condition issue

1980 Sebastiani Proprietor's Reserve Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

Light capsule condition issue; signs of past seepage; base neck fill

1980 Sebastiani Proprietor's Reserve Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

Capsule condition issue; signs of past seepage; very top shoulder fill; light label condition issue

1982 Wm. Wheeler Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

Top shoulder fill

1985 Glen Ellen Imagery Series The Acropolis Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

1990 Wm. Wheeler Winery Quintet

Lightly depressed cork; 4.5 cm ullage

1991 Fisher Vineyards Wedding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Light label condition issue

RP  93   

1992 Gold Vineyards Proprietor's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

1993 St. Francis Sonoma County Merlot

Depressed cork

1994 Chateau St. Jean Merlot

Light capsule condition issue; light signs of past seepage; top shoulder fill; light label condition issue

WS  90   

1995 Fisher Vineyards Wedding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Light label condition issue

RP  92   
ST  91   

1995 Dry Creek Vineyard 25th Anniversary Merlot

1995 Windsor Vineyards Private Reserve Meritage

Light label condition issue

1995 Rabbit Ridge Sonoma County Zinfandel

Light label condition issue

WS  90   

1995 Haywood Estate Los Chamizal Vineyards Rocky Terrace Zinfandel

1996 Gundlach Bundschu Morse Vineyard Zinfandel

Base neck fill; light label condition issue

1996 Gundlach Bundschu Morse Vineyard Zinfandel

Base neck fill

1997 Ravenswood Petite Sirah

Lightly depressed cork

1997 St. Francis Sonoma Valley Merlot

Light capsule condition issue; lightly depressed cork; heavy label condition issue

1997 St. Francis Sonoma Valley Merlot

6-bottle Lot

See item details for bottle notes

1998 Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon

Light label condition issue

1998 Gundlach Bundschu Morse Vineyard Zinfandel