2012 Arbor Bench Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley

Clos du Val Alum’s Lost Vintage

We’ve often said that this job is mostly about timing. Last week, we received a serendipitous call from a friend at Arbor Bench Vineyards in Dry Creek. While clearing out room in the cellar for the incoming 2017s, a pallet of Estate Cabernet was found tucked into a dark corner. They made one call — us. The 2012 Arbor Bench Dry Creek Estate Cabernet boasts layers of dark fruit and chewy tannins that call to mind extravagant $125 Cabernets from neighbouringHeirloom Vineyard. 

Robert Parker’s raves about the “exuberant and concentrated” 2012 Cabernets included observations about their “stunning purity and richness.” And Cabernet Sauvignon reigned supreme in Dry Creek. Clos du Val alum winemaker Chris Markell took full advantage, and crafted an Estate Cabernet that was thought to be sold out. But in the dark recesses of the cellar at Arbor Bench, one pallet was discovered. After five years of bottle age, this Cabernet is primed to drink right now.

Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley AVA is home to stellar terroir, blessed with an array of soils and microclimates that yield lush, deep reds. The Hart-Lidow family has been farming Cabernet grapes on west-facing slopes of the upper benchland since 1984. The Pacific Ocean fog provides a cool respite for gently watered vines rooted in gravelly loam soils, leading to an Estate Cabernet boasting exceptionally complex flavors and a stunning balance of sugars and vivid acidity.

The distributor may have missed out on one pallet, but today, Wine Access clients gain.

• ABV 14.50%
• 1 hour
• % Cabernet Sauvignon
• Serving temperature – 62°