The Cooley Ranch covers over 19,000 acres and is one of the largest single holdings in Sanoma dating back to the early 20th cent and is owned and run by the same family for five generations. It wasn’t until 2010, after seven years of site research and selection, in a joint venture with the Rodney Strong Vineyards that vines were planted. In the end 200 acres were carefully selected based on soil composition, aspect and elevation ranging from 500 to just over 2,000 feet producing three Cabernets and two Red Blends of elegance and distinction.
The 2017 Rowen Red Blend is one of those wines, comprising Cabernet, Malbec, Syrah and Viognier drawing influences from both Bordeaux and Cote du Rhone.
The nose is enticing with a swirling mix of floral and dark fruits- it has a lot going on. The palate is immediately impressive, rich and balanced with integrated layers of ripe blackberries, cassis, blueberries, plums, vanilla and spices with a hint of cooking herbs and mint rounding things out. All four grape varietals are evident in the mix. The Syrah and Viognier was co-fermented in the classic Northern Rhone tradition. Overall, this wine has immediate appeal and can be enjoyed with very little effort- eg decanting. But can be enjoyed over the next 10 plus years. There is a lushness and elegance that creates a lovely tension in the wine. Winemaker suggests pairing with sharp cheeses and charcuterie, grilled filet mignon, cocoa dusted chocolate torte.
Vine to Table 