- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
WINEMAKER NOTES
Nestled within the rugged, high-elevation landscapes of Sonoma County’s Cooley Ranch, the 2019 ROWEN Red is a masterpiece of power and precision, seamlessly integrating Bordeaux structure with Rhône-inspired finesse. This profound blend—composed of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 19% Syrah, and a delicate touch of 1% Viognier—speaks to the inherent majesty of its mountain terroir, where volcanic soils and soaring elevations coax out a wine of remarkable intensity and depth. Aged for 24 months in 75% new French oak, this wine emerges as a polished yet untamed expression of Sonoma’s most elevated frontier.
Upon first encounter, the bouquet captivates with a luxurious interplay of ripe black cherries, succulent blackberries, and an intoxicating veil of sweet toasted oak. The co-fermented Viognier imparts an aromatic lift, introducing exotic floral notes that swirl through the dark fruit core, hinting at crushed violets and delicate honeysuckle. As the wine unfolds in the glass, layers of spice—cardamom, clove, and a whisper of dark cocoa—add intrigue, promising a palate of both structure and seduction.
The first sip is a revelation of balance and intensity, where the commanding presence of Cabernet Sauvignon lays the foundation with firm yet supple tannins, guiding the wine’s journey across the palate. Malbec’s plush, velvety texture weaves seamlessly into the blend, adding depth and a touch of blue-fruited elegance. Syrah, co-fermented with Viognier in a nod to the Northern Rhône tradition, contributes a sensual silkiness, amplifying the wine’s richness while introducing a trace of smoked meat and black pepper. A refined, high-toned acidity maintains vibrancy throughout, ensuring that this is not just a powerful wine, but one of precision and grace.
The finish is long and resonant, lingering with waves of juicy cassis, dark chocolate, and finely integrated vanilla from its extended oak aging. This is a wine that rewards patience, its formidable structure promising a decade or more of evolution in the cellar. Yet, its current state is already a triumph—opulent, expressive, and undeniably compelling. Pair with a seared filet mignon, aged cheddar, or a dark chocolate torte for an indulgent experience that matches the grandeur of this extraordinary wine. The 2019 ROWEN Red is a testament to the pioneering spirit of Sonoma County—a wine unbound by convention, yet deeply rooted in the land that defines it.
Blend: 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 19% Syrah, & 1% Viognier
Alcohol: 14.5%
Upon first encounter, the bouquet captivates with a luxurious interplay of ripe black cherries, succulent blackberries, and an intoxicating veil of sweet toasted oak. The co-fermented Viognier imparts an aromatic lift, introducing exotic floral notes that swirl through the dark fruit core, hinting at crushed violets and delicate honeysuckle. As the wine unfolds in the glass, layers of spice—cardamom, clove, and a whisper of dark cocoa—add intrigue, promising a palate of both structure and seduction.
The first sip is a revelation of balance and intensity, where the commanding presence of Cabernet Sauvignon lays the foundation with firm yet supple tannins, guiding the wine’s journey across the palate. Malbec’s plush, velvety texture weaves seamlessly into the blend, adding depth and a touch of blue-fruited elegance. Syrah, co-fermented with Viognier in a nod to the Northern Rhône tradition, contributes a sensual silkiness, amplifying the wine’s richness while introducing a trace of smoked meat and black pepper. A refined, high-toned acidity maintains vibrancy throughout, ensuring that this is not just a powerful wine, but one of precision and grace.
The finish is long and resonant, lingering with waves of juicy cassis, dark chocolate, and finely integrated vanilla from its extended oak aging. This is a wine that rewards patience, its formidable structure promising a decade or more of evolution in the cellar. Yet, its current state is already a triumph—opulent, expressive, and undeniably compelling. Pair with a seared filet mignon, aged cheddar, or a dark chocolate torte for an indulgent experience that matches the grandeur of this extraordinary wine. The 2019 ROWEN Red is a testament to the pioneering spirit of Sonoma County—a wine unbound by convention, yet deeply rooted in the land that defines it.
Blend: 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 19% Syrah, & 1% Viognier
Alcohol: 14.5%
94 POINTS - "This blend of Cabernet, Malbec and Syrah, with just a pinch of Viognier, exhibits a concentrated black-currant aroma that begs for another swirl. As the wine unfolds in the glass, graphite and licorice notes become more apparent. This feels for all the world like a beautiful California version of a Left Bank Bordeaux, with silky tannin and a minute-long finish. " - Wine Enthusiast
92 POINTS - "This dark ruby colored Cabernet Sauvignon based blend opens with a complex nose of black currant, black licorice, and dark chocolate with hints of oak, black cherry, and graphite. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is nicely balanced, smooth, and seamless. The flavor profile is stony minerality and red plum blend with notes of mulberry and oak. I also detected hints of pomegranate and red licorice. The finish is dry, and its flavors, acidity, and gentle tannins drift away nicely. I would pair this food friendly red blend with pulled pork." - Ken's Wine Guide
Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐
92 POINTS - "This dark ruby colored Cabernet Sauvignon based blend opens with a complex nose of black currant, black licorice, and dark chocolate with hints of oak, black cherry, and graphite. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is nicely balanced, smooth, and seamless. The flavor profile is stony minerality and red plum blend with notes of mulberry and oak. I also detected hints of pomegranate and red licorice. The finish is dry, and its flavors, acidity, and gentle tannins drift away nicely. I would pair this food friendly red blend with pulled pork." - Ken's Wine Guide
Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐
The 2019 ROWEN red blend is a lush and elegant wine consisting of wonderful high elevation, mountain fruit. The wine has aromas of dark cherries, blackberries and sweet toasted oak from the co-fermented Viognier. On the palate, the wine is balanced and structured from the Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of juicy cassis, light floral and sweet vanilla. Co-fermenting the Syrah with the Viognier is a classic Northern Rhone technique which adds an exotic floral element to the finished wine as well as a rounder mouthfeel. Enjoy this wine now with sharp cheeses and charcuterie, grilled filet mignon, cocoa dusted chocolate torte or cellar for enjoyment for years to come.