Vivid, dark ruby red color. The nose is intense and complex, with hints of oak, vanilla, and mocha with dense black and blueberry fruit. It is an elegant, full-bodied wine that has a soft, balanced texture with just the right amount of grip. Focused and polished, it is a premier example of an Alexander Valley, Bordeaux-style wine. This wine finishes long and smooth with an intense showing of fruit and spice.
Our grapes were grown on the northwestern foothills of Alexander Valley where ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon prevail. They were fully mature at the harvest, producing a wine with intense aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, mocha, chocolate cocoa, vanilla, and clove. Rich, round, and supple tannins produce a firm, fine-grained texture with a fully integrated structure that leads to a deliciously long, luscious & mouth-watering finish. This dramatic Cabernet was aged in fine French oak barrels and is ready for immediate enjoyment or cellar aging.
Bonneau Winery is operated by the third generation of Bonneau’s with family history dating back to the early 1920s in Sonoma, California. Catherine & Auguste Bonneau originally came to America from the vineyard lands near Tarn, France, and began farming a 70-acre parcel of land just south of the town of Sonoma. After growing and providing Chardonnay grapes to several well-known wineries in both Sonoma and Napa, the family launched its own brand in 2002.
Specs
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Vineyard: Barelli Vineyard
Clones: 7 & 8
Sorted: Optically
Brix at Harvest: 24.8
Fermentation: 15 days skin contact with two daily pump overs
Barrel Regime: 18 months in 40% new French oak
Coopers: Darnajou, Boutes
Alcohol: 14.5%
TA: 5.2 g/l
pH: 3.85
RS: 0
Production: 200 cases
What’s Included
3-bottles:
3x 2021 Bonneau Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley Case:
12x 2021 Bonneau Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
Family winemaker John Bambury is the grandson of Catherine Bonneau who first conceived of a vineyard on the family’s farmland in Sonoma. He has been spearheading all winemaking operations on behalf of the family business since 2000. His inaugural release of the 2002 Bonneau Los Carneros Chardonnay has led to more than a dozen widely acclaimed vintages in a growing array of varietals and styles – all of them carefully handcrafted by John and his team. In the spirit of his ancestors, John is a visionary of sorts himself. His respect for nature and the land is part and parcel of what drives his passion as both an artisan and businessman.
Fittingly, John is particularly proud of each and every release of his award-winning Bonneau Estate Chardonnay, the masterfully crafted wine that first fulfilled the family’s dream; the wine that represents the best of the family estate, the fruit of their labor, and the splendor of what hard work and dedication can achieve. The highly distinguished Bambury Wine Collection captures this essence in three lines of wines, each with its own distinguishing character: at its heart is the world-class namesake Bonneau line of wine, which every year continues to honor the family’s pioneering roots, joined by Egret wines dedicated to saving the environment, and the extremely limited release Opal Moon.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
I received my sample bottle Tuesday and sampled with with some strips on Thursday night. Put it in the wine fridge in between and basically did a PnP when consuming.
As you can see, its a very dark purple as typical for a cab. The fiancee and I have both been congested, so we didn’t get much of a nose. If anything, it was chocolatey.
On first sip, the immediate thing you notice is the structure. A few tannins at this point, but it just covers your palette beautifully. I’d anticipate this could improve over time, but I would have no qualms drinking this now.
The taste brings out notes of pepper, leather, and black fruits. Maybe a touch of tobacco. After the first sip, the fiancee and I both looked at each other and we didn’t even need to say this was good. Our eyes lit up. I didn’t notice a ton of change, while the bottle was open. Probably because it went quickly.
After our first impression, I looked up the wine and the winery price is $50. I would have guessed this would be $75 minimum. I’ve lost count of how many lab rat experiences I’ve had, probably between five and ten, and this has been the best sample by far.
At $17, this is a back up the truck purchase, if you have space. I don’t (i literally have bottles stack on the floor), so I only grabbed a 3 pack, but luckily have time to make space before this will arrive.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 Bonneau Cabernet Sauvignon - $60 = 23.07%
Well let’s start off with, and end with, Anne Sewell(?), DipWSET,(had to look that up)
93 points. The Bonneau 2021 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of violets, blueberries, blackberries, cocoa powder, earth, and fresh potting soil. On the palate, the wine has soft, supple tannins and bright acidity, perfectly balancing black fruit flavors, such as cassis and plums, and notes of dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, and baking spices. The texture is polished with just the right amount of grip and a pleasant, lingering finish.
TLDR: I bought a case even though I have way too much wine. I was expecting a casemates price of $25/bottle, so at these prices you should definitely buy.
My notes:
Color: Deep purple red
Nose: Classic cab, cassis with a hint of menthol.
Taste: Good acidity and balance, medium tannins on finish. Medium mouthfeel. A little peppery if I let it sit on my tongue, but not unpleasant. Don’t notice obvious oak but there is a hint of vanilla. As I aerate in my mouth I get more red fruits.
Should age well. I think this will be better in 5 years once some tannins settle out, but it’s drinking just fine right now, particularly if you give it a little air. Definitely not a fruit or oak bomb. Works well with food. Does remind me of other Alexander Valley cabs I’ve had.
Mr. aces: Minimal nose. Seems well-made. Not remarkable or exciting but good. Drinkable now or in a few years.
I bought a case and was pleased with it. Rich dark reddish purple color and nice body with a slight cherry finish. The flavor improved on the second day. I will try to decant the next bottle. Worth the price if it appears again.
2021 Bonneau Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$576.00/Case for 12x 2021 Bonneau Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley at Bonneau Winery
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Nov 11 - Wednesday, Nov 13
Bonneau Cabernet Sauvignon
3 bottles for $64.99 $21.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2021 Bonneau Cabernet Sauvignon
TL;DR: I already bought more.
I received my sample bottle Tuesday and sampled with with some strips on Thursday night. Put it in the wine fridge in between and basically did a PnP when consuming.
As you can see, its a very dark purple as typical for a cab. The fiancee and I have both been congested, so we didn’t get much of a nose. If anything, it was chocolatey.
On first sip, the immediate thing you notice is the structure. A few tannins at this point, but it just covers your palette beautifully. I’d anticipate this could improve over time, but I would have no qualms drinking this now.
The taste brings out notes of pepper, leather, and black fruits. Maybe a touch of tobacco. After the first sip, the fiancee and I both looked at each other and we didn’t even need to say this was good. Our eyes lit up. I didn’t notice a ton of change, while the bottle was open. Probably because it went quickly.
After our first impression, I looked up the wine and the winery price is $50. I would have guessed this would be $75 minimum. I’ve lost count of how many lab rat experiences I’ve had, probably between five and ten, and this has been the best sample by far.
At $17, this is a back up the truck purchase, if you have space. I don’t (i literally have bottles stack on the floor), so I only grabbed a 3 pack, but luckily have time to make space before this will arrive.
@kookie00 This is the kind of review I always hope for. Thank you
/giphy greedy-dreadful-prune
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 Bonneau Cabernet Sauvignon - $60 = 23.07%
Well let’s start off with, and end with, Anne Sewell(?), DipWSET,(had to look that up)
93 points. The Bonneau 2021 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of violets, blueberries, blackberries, cocoa powder, earth, and fresh potting soil. On the palate, the wine has soft, supple tannins and bright acidity, perfectly balancing black fruit flavors, such as cassis and plums, and notes of dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, and baking spices. The texture is polished with just the right amount of grip and a pleasant, lingering finish.
fwiw
Labrat here. 2 thumbs up, will post more detail shortly.
TLDR: I bought a case even though I have way too much wine. I was expecting a casemates price of $25/bottle, so at these prices you should definitely buy.
My notes:
Color: Deep purple red
Nose: Classic cab, cassis with a hint of menthol.
Taste: Good acidity and balance, medium tannins on finish. Medium mouthfeel. A little peppery if I let it sit on my tongue, but not unpleasant. Don’t notice obvious oak but there is a hint of vanilla. As I aerate in my mouth I get more red fruits.
Should age well. I think this will be better in 5 years once some tannins settle out, but it’s drinking just fine right now, particularly if you give it a little air. Definitely not a fruit or oak bomb. Works well with food. Does remind me of other Alexander Valley cabs I’ve had.
Mr. aces: Minimal nose. Seems well-made. Not remarkable or exciting but good. Drinkable now or in a few years.
I just noticed they only made 200 cases. I wonder how much casemates got.
Anyone up for a SoCal split?
I can almost taste that wine, just by looking at that deep dark color in those photos of the wine in the glass
In for a case!
/giphy velvety-hazy-regret
Cases sold out, can you please add more? In for a case if you do. That LabRat Report was too good to ignore. Thanks!
@GatorFL @winedavid49 help if you can
@GatorFL Seconded! After that rattage, I’m in for a case if that option can be revived.
@GatorFL @winer @winedavid49
Same here. I just came back to buy a case. Will be ready to order if it’s possible to consolidate some of those 3-packs.
/giphy doleful-technical-boa
/giphy compliant-dear-gambler
Ok I’m in for a 3 pack. If y’all have a case available, please upgrade me.
I bought a case and was pleased with it. Rich dark reddish purple color and nice body with a slight cherry finish. The flavor improved on the second day. I will try to decant the next bottle. Worth the price if it appears again.