2017 Ancient Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Mountain, California

ABOUT THE WINE

Sourced from high-elevation vineyards on Sonoma Mountain, this Cabernet Sauvignon reflects a cooler, more structured expression than its valley floor counterparts. The 2017 vintage saw a long, warm growing season with a compact harvest window, resulting in fruit of exceptional concentration and balance. Hand-harvested grapes were fermented in small lots, followed by extended maceration and aging in French oak (a portion new) for approximately 20 months.

The wine balances ripe California fruit—blackcurrant, plum, and blueberry compote—with mountain-driven freshness and savory complexity. Notes of dried herbs, graphite, and mocha emerge as the wine opens, underpinned by a fine tannic structure that promises further development with time in bottle. Pair with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or wild mushroom polenta to complement the wine’s depth and herbal nuance.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Ancient Oak Cellars is a small, family-run winery based in Sonoma County, focused on crafting terroir-driven wines from estate and sustainably farmed vineyards. Founded by Ken and Melissa Moholt-Siebert, the winery takes its name from the majestic 300-year-old oak trees that dot their family’s land. While not certified organic or biodynamic, Ancient Oak practices thoughtful sustainable farming, hand-harvesting and intervening minimally in both vineyard and cellar to allow the land’s natural expression to guide the wines.

Their winemaking philosophy emphasizes balance, ageability, and authenticity—producing wines that are both approachable in youth and capable of graceful evolution. With a focus on single-vineyard bottlings, Ancient Oak brings a distinct sense of place to each wine, with the Sonoma Mountain Cabernet standing out as a bold yet nuanced example of the appellation’s potential.