Place and Vintage Combine to Create the
2004 Lake Sonoma Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

DRY CREEK VALLEY, CA, September 14, 2007 - Sometimes wine character is all about the place the grapes were grown and sometimes wine character is all about the weather the grapes experienced on their way to maturity. In the case of the just-released 2004 Lake Sonoma Winery Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, both place and vintage played significant roles in creating a Cabernet of power and symmetry.

Lake Sonoma Winery sources Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Sonoma County's Alexander Valley. Blessed with moderately fertile soils and a climate of very warm days and cool nights, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is typically distinguished by cassis and plum fruit, and supple texture. The outstanding 2004 vintage in Alexander Valley proved slightly unusual; a cool spring and very early bud break were followed by an unusually long growing season, one punctuated by a heat wave in September. As a result, Cabernet Sauvignon yields were reduced. The grapes displayed their distinctive fruit, but with uncommon intensity and structure. Gentle winemaking, including 28 months in French and American oak barrels, produced a Cabernet that expresses the character of the region and the character of the vintage in equal measure.

Beguiling aromas of cassis, tobacco, mint and brown sugar abound in the 2004 Lake Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon. Cassis also highlights the mouthfilling flavors, together with blackberry, plum and a hint of black pepper. Dense and structured on the palate, its moderate tannins are balanced by moderate acidity, resulting in a full, lingering finish. While already approachable, this youthful Cabernet Sauvignon should evolve beautifully with a few years of cellaring. The 2004 Lake Sonoma Winery Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is available nationally at a suggested retail of $24. Just 4,200 cases were produced.

Founded in 1977, Lake Sonoma Winery follows a "best of the best" philosophy to produce outstanding Sonoma County wines. The winery's Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc may be sampled at its award-winning tasting room in downtown Healdsburg.

Drink responsibly.