Sawyer Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Carla Williams, CSS, the Executive Director for Society of Wine Educators (SWE), offers up this week’s recommendation. She suggests that WeeklyWinePick readers try a Sawyer Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon. Williams praises this wine as “graceful and refined Cab with hints of berries, cherries and mocha mitigated by sweet tannins and a lingering finish.” She suggests pairing of beef, lamb, pasta and rich cheeses.

Williams points out  the reason this wine is special:  the grapes are grown in Napa Valley’s Rutherford viticultural area. Rutherford is comprised of small strip of land composed of less than 3,500 acres under vine, which is has long been known for producing premium wines grown in dusty soils and a warm climate. It is a perfect place for growing some of the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignons. Williams explains: “They say the soil is more alluvial and ‘dusty’ here in the Rutherford bench (middle of Napa Valley), which gives its Cabernets more of a sense of terroir. These Cabernet Sauvignons offer complex dusty, berry and spicy characteristics.”

Williams isn’t the only wine expert who appreciates Sawyer Cellars’ Cabernets. The Wine Spectator rated the 1999 vintage 92 points, and gave the 2000 vintage 84 points. Vinography wine blogger Alder Yarrow–see his recommendation for WeeklyWinePick readers here–recently rated the 2004 Sawyer Cabernet as 9.5 out of ten.

A native Washingtonian, Ms. Williams has worked with the Society for over 6 years and has served as Director’s for more than a year. The Society is one of pre-eminent sources for wine education in the world, offering the three certifications-Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), Certified Wine Educator (CWE) and Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS). These certifications offer widely recognized qualifications for working in the wine industry.

Sawyer Cellars Cabernet is available for $48 on the Winery’s website.