Situated on the western hillsides of Dry Creek Valley Michel Schlumberger has a well-earned reputation for its excellent Bordeaux varieties. They have long believed in blending these varieties for complexity, and their red wines have harnessed the ripe, raw power of the new world with the elegant reins of the old. For example, the MS merlot has consistently shown well-knit aromatics and richly structured flavors-unusual characteristics for what is known in California as a soft, "entry-level" wine. Likewise the cabernet is prized for its classic claret balance, depth of fruit, and nuance. These are wines of finesse.

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The Wines

SYRAH: A big wine from a cool climate when you taste this first all-estate Syrah. Its style is classic, with much in common with the blended wines of the Rhône; but the grapes are Californian!

The winemaker brings this perspective first to the blend, where Viognier, the Rhône white grape, joins the too-red Petite Sirah (also used in Rhone wines), and some Dry Creek Zinfandel, a local delicacy that rounds out a playful and only marginally unlikely assembly. Next, to the wine itself, where the bold fruit that California is known for meets the meaty and peppery depth of flavor common to the Rhône

 

 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON: Ripe, dark fruit and a supporting counterpoint suggesting red berries and aromatic spice. The ample mid-palate and structure support the wine and serve well at the table where it enhances the enjoyment of food by refreshing between nibbles. These flavors are classic with distinct cherry, blueberry and blackberry impressions rounded out by aromatic and earthy terroir. Grapes from state-of-the-art, densely planted vineyard of Bordeaux clones contributes to the depth of flavors presented in this vintage. The addition of this grape source will bring intriguing nuance to this consistently award winning Cabernet.

 

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