Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier and Wine Critic

“Let’s face it, there are are plenty of Cabernets in the marketplace. Some of them are the reliable brands that you find on store shelves on a weekly basis. And while the wines are good, many of them taste the same every time and nothing changes (a.k.a. boring). That’s why it’s so great when you find an exciting boutique brand to investigate in more detail.

This week’s case in point is the Creo 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Clajeux Vineyard in the Chalk Hill AVA, a pristine winegrowing region in northern Sonoma County. Made by Peter Boyd of Genius Wines and talented winemaker Duncan Arnot Meyers of Arnot-Roberts fame, this diamond in the rough is a seamless wine with powerful flavors, rich, velvety texture, and other special attributes which make it such a joy to share with friends and family at intimate engagements.

With a noticeable deep purple hue, this limited release Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of ripe black fruits, dried rose petals, violet, coconut, clove, fresh tobacco and cedar. On the palate, the flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and cherry are lifted with elegant notes of dark chocolate, allspice, earth, and a smooth texture.

Overall, the profile of the wine is generous and rewarding. With food, try it with rich cheeses, grilled vegetables, gnocchi, duck breast, honey baked ham, prime rib, and rich seasonal stews.”

Score: 93 points