A wine writer recently asked us for our perspectives on Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. We find the history so fascinating that we thought we would share it with you.
Our Estate
Lasseter estate vineyards are of great historical importance, as they were an enclave for the earliest French and Italian winemakers in the region beginning in the late 1800’s.
Lasseter Family Estate Vineyards consist of two properties: two in Sonoma Valley and one at the height of elevation in the Moon Mountain District. For more on the history of the winery, see our STORY.
- Justi Creek Estate Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, which we have owned and farmed since 2005
- Trinity Ridge Estate Vineyard, Moon Mountain District, which we have owned and farmed since 2017
- Los Guilicos Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, (Sauvignon Blanc only), which we have owned and farmed since 2020
Our History With Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
All our Cabernet Sauvignon is estate grown from one of two sites: Justi Creek Vineyards in Glen Ellen and more recently, Trinity Ridge Vineyard in the Moon Mountain District.
Justi Creek Estate Vineyards in Glen Ellen
We purchased our first estate vineyard in 2000 (now the site of our winery) just outside Glen Ellen. A property is of historical importance, it was prized for winegrowing by the earliest French winemakers in California in the late 1880’s and was the source for Dick Arrowood’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignons a century later. It is a unique site.
Along with ample sun, its location in the narrowest part of the valley provides a funnel for marine influence, so that fog stays longer in the morning, but midday temps are warmer, so fruit can hang long and develop slowly, with beautiful acid retention.
When Lasseter purchased the site, in collaboration with Phil Coturri, we began an environmentally sensitive restoration of the natural habitat and old vine blocks, a conversion to organic farming, and a thoughtful replanting of Bordeaux and Rhone varieties. They planted specific clones tailored to the myriad microclimates throughout the undulating contours of the property, named for the Justi Family, the owners who bought the property from the Vallejo family in the 1850’s.
Trinity Ridge Estate Vineyard in the Moon Mountain District
As of 2017 we also produce Cabernet Sauvignon from our Trinity Ridge Estate Vineyard at the height of elevation in the Moon Mountain District. This rugged, volcanic terroir offers an exciting contrast in Cabernet Sauvignon expression from Justi Creek Vineyards.
Our Cabernet Sauvignon-based Wines:
- From Justi Creek Vineyards, we produce 200-400 cases of Reminiscence Cabernet Sauvignon, which may also include the other Bordeaux varietals we grow: Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
- We often include Cabernet Sauvignon in our Merlot, Malbec, and additional special bottlings.
- From Trinity Ridge Estate Vineyard, Moon Mountain District, we produce one 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The History of Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemakers have been drawn to this area over almost two centuries. The first commercial California Cabernet Sauvignon is said to have been from Sonoma Valley, bottled in 1884.
The vineyard now called Bedrock Vineyard just down the road from Lasseter in Glen Ellen, was replanted to varietals including cabernet sauvignon by Hearst in 1888.
The oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines are likely at Monte Rosso, planted by Louis M. Martini in 1940.
With so much history and now the interest and expertise of our finest modern viticulturists and winemakers, this region is producing a dynamic array of quality Cabernet Sauvignon and being recognized more and more especially in relation to Napa with its heat, high costs, and maxed out vineyard acreage.
Napa put California on the map as far as global recognition for quality wine, while Sonoma has progressed in its shadow. With economic, climatic, and other changes, Sonoma is coming out of the shadows and it is an exciting time.
The Unique Characteristics of our location within Sonoma Valley
At our estate property, we have learned much over the years about growing the highest quality Cabernet Sauvignon that is expressive of our “place.”
For example, at first we planted early ripening and heritage clones on the property, in consideration of Sonoma’s generally cooler profile as a Cabernet Sauvignon growing area.
It turns however, the narrowest part of the valley where we are located, is also the warmest part of the valley.
So, the narrowness achieves two benefits at once: it creates a funnel for the consistence marine influence that amplifies diurnal shifts to our benefit, and it channels heat to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon, long and slow, with greater acid retention.
This means we have many options for Cabernet Sauvignon clones and expression, and we are making adjustments in the vineyard as a result.
Contrasts Among The Subregions of Sonoma Valley
- Our estate vineyards in Glen Ellen, Sonoma Valley: Richness, red fruit, big tannins that can become supple with extended hang time, balanced acidity
- Moon Mountain District: Deep, profound, earthy, mineral, bright acidity
Explore our WINES, including our two Cabernet Sauvignons.
A Bright Future for Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
We are excited about the future of the Moon Mountain District, and thrilled that it finally achieved official AVA status in 2013. This distinction recognizes its contrasting terroir vis a vis the valley below, after 150 years of legendary winegrowing, beginning with Monte Rosso and home to Kistler Vineyard for decades in the modern era.
Our Trinity Ridge Estate Vineyard is situated at the height of the AVA’s elevation, just over the crest from Mt Veeder.
Sitting above the summer fog, its well-drained volcanic soils, southern and western exposures offer plenty of heat, while the consistent ocean breezes and huge diurnal shifts allow for Cabernet Sauvignon of great depth and intensity with excellent acid retention at full phenolic ripeness.
2017 was our first release of the Cabernet Sauvignon and we’re optimistic and confident for the future for this site, from which we are already seeing profound, distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon.
As climate changes continue to bring weather extremes, we are only more and more excited about the future of our Glen Ellen estate given its balance of marine and heat influence.
Explore our WINES, including our two Cabernet Sauvignons.