I Had No Choice


Everyone knows how much I like to connect with my wine.  I've said it here WAY too many times already.

And sometimes it's not the design of the label or the name of the winery that captures my attention, it's what's written on the label that peaks my interest.




You see, it was these two hooligans....




That got me to purchase this.

2002 Forth "All Boys" Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley $24

It was the "All Boys" reference that drew me. 

A wine that's "All Boy" sounded as if it would be something special and unique.  Bold.  Full of life.

Then I read the back label...

"All Boys" is the happy outcome of Cabernet grown in the vineyards of our two sons, four grandsons, and that of a beautiful neighboring vineyard owned by five brothers.  Here's to these boys, and all boys, and the exuberant energies, deep soul and joyful experience of play they bring to every endeavor!

Sigh.  I was in love.  Isn't that just adorable? 

Being a mom to two boys, I'm a bit of a softy to any references about boyish charms and exuberances.

The 2002 vintage was my first experience with Forth Cabernet and I've purchased every vintage to date.  Currently the 2005 All Boys Cabernet is available from the winery for purchase.

The Dry Creek Valley appellation of Sonoma County has always been known as Zinfandel country but Cabernet Sauvignon has slowly been making a name for itself in more recent times.

The valley itself is the rural home to mostly small, family wineries.  It also houses the Sonoma based wing of Gallo Corporation, one the largest, most industrialized wine producers in the world. 

Last year I was lucky enough to have a behind the scenes visit to the Gallo industrial giant.  It sits smack in the middle of the pastoral Dry Creek Valley, right next to the beautiful and well-known Frei Ranch Vineyard. 

I have some pictures of the valley taken at Gallo.  These will give you an idea of just how beautiful this area is.



This is the Frei Ranch Vineyard owned by Gallo

Although Gallo and Forth vineyards are not related, I wanted to show the beauty of the Dry Creek Valley.  These are the only pictures I have.




Here is the view of the valley from the top of Gallo's crushpad.  What a view. 




There are no words.




I'll save the pictures of the helicopter pad and the employee soccer field for another time. 

The Dry Creek Valley, also boasts two distinct climates.  The very low valley floor, with its maritime influences mirror much of Sonoma County and the hillside area which sits above the fog line.

This hillside area is where Cabernet Sauvignon has been able to flourish.  The hillsides of Dry Creek produce wines with robust and voluptuous characteristics.

The Forth Cabernet is rich in those qualities while showing subtle hints of black fruit on the nose, blackberry being the most prominent.  Overall it is a luscious wine with a bit of spice.  It is well-balanced and aging beautifully.

If you have boys, or not, this is a special bottle to put on the table. 

Did anyone out there have anything special to drink last night?  Please, not water again.




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Posted by Noble Pig at Friday, May 16, 2008 12:00 AM
Categories: Cabernet Sauvignon
 
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