The Mayacamas Mountains, which divides Sonoma and Napa Valley into very different micro-climates. Winemaking dates back as far as the 1860s. Its unique soil and elevation allow for spectacular grape growing conditions, most notably for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Brigden's vineyards are nestled on Spring Mountain on the Napa/Sonoma border, where the vineyards enjoy afternoon winds and warm nights. It's the kind of exposure that creates expressive fruit capable of making world-class wines.
We met up with our old friend Joe Otos at Owl Ridge Winery, and found he was sitting on some beautifully aged Cabernet from Brigden Vineyard. Nice to get our hands on a nearly 10 year old Cabernet... What a treat!
The 2009 Owl Ridge Brigden Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is dark ruby in color with a distinctly floral nose of dark fruits. On the palate the velvety mouthfeel gives way to pronounced cherry flavors with notes of cacao nibs, cedar, olive, and a hint of eucalyptus. Complemented by soft, structured tannins which introduce a pleasantly herbal, lingering finish of blackberry and fig, with an underscore of licorice and mint. Perfect right now.
Pairs well with steak, or lamb with sautéed vegetables, cheese and walnuts
Appellation: Sonoma County, Brigden Vineyard
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Aging: French Oak Barrels
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
92 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
