2022 Valravn - Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County (750ml)

Valravn grew out of more than a decade the team spent working the négociant side of the Sonoma County wine trade, building relationships with growers, vineyard owners, and winemakers along the way. Those connections now give Valravn access to fruit from standout sites it could not otherwise source on its own. The label is built around wines meant to be approachable, well-priced, and ready to drink right out of the gate.

The 2022 blend is built mostly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Syrah rounding it out. Fruit comes from four Sonoma County sub-appellations, led by Knights Valley, with Moon Mountain, Alexander Valley, and Chalk Hill filling out the rest, each contributing its own elevation, soil, and climate. After hand-harvesting and hand-sorting, the grapes go through an extended cold soak, then age sixteen months in a mix of new, second-use, and neutral French oak.

The wine shows dusty cherry, licorice, and black pepper up front, opening into black cherry, cocoa, and anise with a savory, mineral edge of gravel and incense. Chewy tannins carry it through a long, dry finish. Pour it with grilled bavette steak, herbed lentils, or dark chocolate brownies.