Best Cabernet winery to visit in Sonoma/Healdsburg?

WINE TALK
1

I have been told that one of the days will be spent in the Sonoma/Healdsburg region. I need some suggestions, I have never spent time in this area of wine country. To give you an idea here are some of my favorites: Mike Smith (Myriad, Quivet, and Carter), Robert Foley (awesome wine), Lewelling (old school napa and very personal), and EMH Black Cat (Merrill is wonderful).

The only tasting that is set as of now is McLeod 10:30 (no idea, booked by one of the other 3 on the trip).

Thank you for your help!!!

2

Arnot-Roberts.

3

Go to Ridge - Lytton Springs and do the estate tasting. You get an interesting vineyard tour, conversation with a friendly and knowledgable staff member, and an opportunity to taste a half-dozen delicious wines - including Monte Bello. Should scratch the cab itch AND give you a chance to taste some of the most reasonably priced fine wines anywhere.

4

Knowing Mike Smith and his wines, I`d definitely set something up with him. Ridge is a must do.

5

With his favorites being Mike Smith and Robert Foley do you think this is a wise suggestion? A-R pendulum tends to swing the other direction. Maybe just a bit? [whistle.gif] Not knocking Arnot-Roberts, just reading into the OP a bit.

Ridge for the Monte Bello but also but also consider Calluna Estate. Excellent Bordeaux style blends.

6

Robert Young in Alexander Valley.

7

ramey in healdsburg

8

Sojourn. Right off square in Sonoma.

9

Arrowood.

The cabs at A Rafanelli are good, too!

10

Call ahead for a Paul Hobbs tasting which includes a brief tour of the vineyards next to the winery and a look into the wine making operation as well as a sit down tasting of a few of his wines. They are fruit forward and bigger but very we’ll made.

11

Yes. I like Smith and Foley too, but if I’m trolling for cab in Healdsburg, I’m heading to A-R!

12

Excellent choices Anton!

13

Pack in some snacks, buy a bottle in the Rochioli tasting room and have a memorable lunch overlooking the breath taking Rochioli Vineyard.

Tom

14

+1. Add in a stop to Stonestreet while you’re in the neighborhood.

15

+2. Rafanelli is famous for their Zin but their Cab is my favorite from Dry Creek.

16

Ridge, Rafanelli and Dry Creek are very close to each other, and they all make good Cabs, IMO. At Ridge you should be able to taste both the Monte Bello and Estate Cabs. Rafanelli makes excellent Zins and Cabs. Dry Creek is not really known for their Cabs, but they make a lot of good wines at fair prices.

Thanks,
Ed

17

+1. Really nice Chard as well.

18

Medlock Ames.

19

I would take any Cab advice Mr. Ormand gives. He is a ‘boots on the ground’ type of guy with a discerning sharp palate.

20

I don’t see it mentioned here but in the Russuan River Valley, Dehlinger is a rare and very good Cab producer (they make a claret and a cab sauv most vintages). Also happen to make very good Chardonnay, Pinot and Surah. I think they require an appointment, but you don’t need to be a list member. You should probably mention you’re interested in trying the cabs as I’m not sure they always taste them.