2001 Peterson Winery Bradford Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Codename: Don’t Manipulate Me

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure a delicious Cabernet from our friends at Dry Creek’s Peterson Winery

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Peterson Winery

Wine Subject: 2001 Bradford Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Jamie Peterson

Backgrounder:

Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley is a treasure trove of great wines. While The Wine Spies have been trying to keep from acquiring too many wines from the region when the wines are great, why not? Today’s selection is from the Bradford Mountain Vineyard which is located ont he western edge of DCV and its higher elevation and unique soil composition most influencing the grapes grown there. This wine is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petite Verdot.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark purple and almost inky in its blackish core that is highlighted by garnet and ruby reflexes when held to the light. Ruby with slight orange/brick hues along the edges and when swirled, slow widely spaced chubby legs descend at varying speeds down the side of the glass.

Smell – Medium bold in intensity, with earthy and smokey ripe and juicy dark black berry fruit and a touch of ripe plum are layered over classic green bell pepper, licorice, toasted vanilla oak and a hint of black pepper.

Feel – Rich and smooth in its attack, this dry, full-bodied wine has finely etched and ever so slightly grippy tannins, balanced acidity, good minerality, and a hint of spice that carries this wine’s classic Cab flavors through to the finish.

Taste – Bold but well balanced flavors of smokey and earthy dark black fruit, dense blackberry and ripe plum over a complex blend of herbal licorice, exotic spice, toasted oak, fresh cut earthy cedar and vanilla hints.

Finish – Clean and lingering dark fruit supported by this wines solid but smooth structure invite sip after sip.

Conclusion – The 2001 Peterson Winery Bradford Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious example of why The Wine Spies love Dry Creek Valley so much. Rich and balanced, with classic and complex Cabernet aromas and flavors, a smooth but solid structure, this wine stands up with out overpowering you. Decant this wine or give it at least 30 minutes to fully reveal its depth and character. The 2001 vintage in Sonoma was rated very well and this wine is just starting to show its full potential.

Mission Report:

Learn how Agent Red first became aware of Peterson Winery, which is now a Wine Spies favorite in the Dry Creek Valley – in this mission recap:

Today’s wine was one of those happened upon discoveries. You know, the sort that you find almost by accident.

I was making a pickup at one of my dead-drops in the Dry Creek Valley. A local asset had left me samples to consider for a future mission. When I got to the spot, I found a small parcel, obviously not large enough to contain wine. I grabbed it and walked toward my car, all the while making certain that I was not being followed.

On opening the parcel, I found a hand-written note inside:

This location compromised. Proceed to [REDACTED] for the package.

I entered the coordinates into my GPS and made my way to the new drop. On arrival, I scanned the area. Not a person in sight. I proceeded on foot and retrieved the package. It was then that I noticed what appeared to be a a winery across the valley.

Sample bottles safely stowed, I decided to investigate.

“Peterson Winery” read the sign on the building. My pulse quickened. Peterson was a name that had come up a few times recently. I had meant to place them under proper surveillance, but had not had the time to schedule a mission. I got out of the car for a closer look.

I scanned the area, making note of all point of ingress and egress. A good spy should be able to make a quick getaway if needed.

“Are you here to taste some wines today?”

I spun around to see a young man, perhaps in his 20’s. I played along.

“Sure,” I said.

And so the tasting began. We tasted through the range of the wines, and when we got to the fabulous Shinbone, I made the decision – right then and there – to reveal myself and procure the wine for our Operatives.

“Listen,” I said. “I can get this on the calendar next week. Can you move that fast?”

The young man, who turned out to be Jamie Peterson, the winemaker and son of founder/owner Fred Peterson, quickly agreed to allow us access to the wine.

I left with samples, and flash forward two days to the present… Viola! This excellent and very exciting wine is available to you today, dear Operative. If you love big, expressive, juicy, delicious and robust wines, this one is certain to please.

Wine Spies Winery Check:

The location of the Peterson Winery can be seen in this satellite photo.