Press & Media
We are always gratified when wine writers and opinion leaders validate our efforts with positive press. Following are some highlights of positive attention we and our wines have received.
Cabernet in Sonoma: Why Cabernet Sauvignon Deserves One More Spotlight in California
Following is an excerpt from Bryce Wiatrak's well researched and well written article, published on GuildSomm.com in August 2021, discussing why Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon deserves more attention and respect:
'“There are three areas for great Cab in Sonoma Valley, and they have some pretty distinct differences,” says Sam Coturri, who farms many of the top properties in the Sonoma Valley with his father, Phil Coturri, and their management company, Enterprise Vineyards. He also makes wine for his own label, Winery Sixteen 600. First among the areas he notes is a collection of patches on the valley floor. Much like the fans at the feet of Napa’s mountain ranges, these Sonoma Valley sites feature complex soils that include rocky alluvial runoff mixed with the loam of the bench. Coturri praises the Cabernet wines grown here for their richness.
Second is the Sonoma Mountain AVA, a 2,400-foot peak on the western range. “The standout I always think of there is Laurel Glen,” says Coturri of the renowned winery, whose Cabernet blends demonstrate a lighter hand and more classical aesthetic. Vineyards on Sonoma Mountain generally face east or northeast, capturing the softer morning light and shadowed earlier in the afternoon when the sun is harshest.' Click here to read the full article, including tasting notes of Bryce's favorite Sonoma Cabernets.
Editor's Choice - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Laurel Glen 2015 Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Mountain)
93 POINTS - Editors’ Choice
This is an approachable release from the mountain estate that is known for ageworthy Cabernet. Earthy and herbal, it offers clove, cedar and peppery notes. The structure is rounded and concentrated in balanced black fruit.
Author: Virginie Boone
Date Published: November 1, 2018
Brilliance from Sonoma Wine Rating System - Jeb Dunnuck
LAUREL GLEN VINEYARD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON SONOMA MOUNTAIN
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Laurel Glen Vineyard comes from a site in the Sonoma Mountain AVA and spent 22 months in 60% new French oak. Its deep purple/plum color is followed by a terrific perfume of cassis and blueberry fruit intermixed with lots of pine/forest floor, Asian spice, and graphite. Concentrated, with medium body, fine tannin, and bright acidity, it's a classic beauty that really needs 4-5 years of cellaring and is going to keep for 10-15.
Author: Jeb Dunnuck
Date Published: June, 2018
Wine & Spirits Magazine - 93 Points
The 2015 is a floral celebration with earthiness driving its flavors. The fruit is ripened to the point of fatness, juicy black plum and tart-sweet blackberry flavors tasting bright and fresh . . . You'd be hard pressed to find many California cabernets of this quality for $50.
Author: Joshua Greene
Top 100 Wines of 2018 - Wine Enthusiast
Laurel Glen 2014 Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Mountain)
94 POINTS - Cellar Selection
Earthy in forest, pine and mushroom, this wine is slightly reduced and youthfully concentrated. Lively acidity supports a strong tannic structure, with a sturdy toasted oak flavor matched by a mix of black and red currant. It shows potential for aging.
Enjoy from 2024–2029.
Author: Virginie Boone
Date Published: November 1, 2018
Wine of the week: Top five Sonoma County wines of 2016 to try
Laurel Glen Counterpoint, 2014 Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.4%, $40. ★★★★: This is a cab that has great structure, firm tannins and yet it manages to be fleshy. Juicy raspberry fruit with cassis, anise and cracked black pepper in the mix. It’s a steal at this price point for the quality.
Randall Watkins is the winemaker of Laurel Glen’s Counterpoint, 2014 Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon at $40. “Savory” is a key component of the label’s house style.
Watkins said: “Classic cabernet sauvignon has both ripe fruit and a brilliant savory side."
Author: Peg Melnick, Press Democrat
Date published: December 13, 2016
Wine Enthusiast Best of Year 2016
93 Laurel Glen 2014 Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Mountain). Blended with 10% Merlot, this wine sources grapes both from its famous estate, as well as from nearby Pickberry and Murray vineyards. It delights in luxuriously bright acidity and a jammy explosion of blackberry, chocolate, clove and tobacco, the texture roundly approachable. - V.B.
abv: 14.4%
Author: Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
Date published: December 31, 2016