Arrowood
Producer website
Winemaker's Notes
The historic Monte Rosso Vineyard is one of the oldest and most celebrated vineyards in Sonoma Valley. Its Italian moniker, dating back to the 1930s, means red mountain; its easy to see why it was so named. Perched upon the Mayacamas range at over 1,000 feet elevation, its distinct red soil is comprised of decomposed volcanic rock and is quite visible from the valley floor below. The soils are iron rich, highly porous and well drained, allowing vines to develop extensive root systems reaching to considerable depths. These difficult growing conditions stress the vines, ultimately producing grapes of uncommon character and fabulous, age-worthy wines.
Our limited-production 2001 Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon, of which only 168 cases were produced, is such a wine. This exquisite, 100% Cabernet beauty comes from a small block of vines planted in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. The maturity of the vines is evident in the wines dense, brooding purple-brick red color, structured tannins, seemingly endless complexity and tremendous richness.
Intense perfume of blackberry, plum and coconut makes a lasting first impression and is quickly followed by luscious, forward black cherry fruit flavors with hints of toasty oak from over two years of aging in French and American oak barrels. Layer upon complex layer eventually leads to a long, clean finish jammed packed with texture and flavor.
While our Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon is already stellar, we suggest holding a few bottles (if you can get them) back for at least another year or two (2007 - 2008) in order to develop and mature. This wine will only get better with time. We promise you won't be disappointed if you wait to see just how outstanding it ages and develops over the years. When pairing it with food, only the very best will do. Something elegant such as filet mignon, rack of lamb, or a tender prime rib with Cabernet sauce is needed to do this phenomenal wine justice.