Press

97 OUT OF 100 Stark sips

"Our Stark Insider wine of the week is a very special one.

Unfiltered, and outstanding in all regards, this ’08 Cabernet Sauvignon by Amapola Creek exemplifies the best of Sonoma County.

I particularly love the nose. Take a whiff, and you’re bowled over with sumptuous earth tones, tobacco, and — dare I say — that brambly/farmy action that so many of us seek out. If I were wearing a smoking jacket, I might even mention “terroir” and “expression” in reference to this wine."

By Clinton Stark

StarkInsider.com

"Kudos to Dick Arrowood for making such a hot shot cab.  His Amapola Creek, 2008 Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is striking... definitely worth the splurge. Invent something to celebrate if you have to — this is a not-to-be missed cab. It’s complex with a great undercurrent of spice and notes of blackberry, cherry and herbs, with a lingering finish. A knockout."

By Peg Melnik

The Press Democrat / tasting.room

"2008 Amapola Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley California: Don't miss the several beauties of this wine, absent from too many high-end California cabernets, that all conspire to make it so delicious: mica-like layers of aromas of dark red fruits, cocoa, minerals and wood; beautiful frontal, dusting tannins; only a whisper of wood; the austere, high-toned elegance of true cabernet; and, for a red wine, terrific, cleansing acidity."

By Bill St. John

Chicago Tribune

"Richard Arrowood has completed nearly a half century of harvests.

After the recent completion of his 47th growing season, the Sonoma County winemaker remains driven. He claims to have never made or drank the perfect wine. A challenge that Arrowood assumed when he put a pair of Sonoma wineries on the map as winemaker prior to 2006 when he founded Amapola Creek.

While there may have been a time where Sonoma had an inferiority complex to its supposed “big brother,” Napa Valley, Arrowood is a leader amongst winemakers that have defined the area’s wines. 

“Napa had the sizzle,” Arrowood said. “But we had the steak. Napa makes great wine. But so do we in Sonoma.”

Loaded with integrity, Arrowood only puts his finest fruit into the final product. In 2011, there were only 600 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. While the statewide harvest was troubled, Arrowwod kept his best fruit and quality didn’t suffer.

Last year was a great harvest for Arrowood, one of the top two to three he’s seen in 47 years. Arrowood dropped half a crop and still easily hit normal year numbers. As for his lengthy tenure as a winemaker and critical acclaim, Arrowood’s roots remain as a farmer.

“I still put my pants on one leg at a time like everyone else,” Arrowood humbly joked. “As a winemaker you are only as good as this year’s harvest. I believe in what we do and our philosophy has been to produce quality wine without compromise.”   

What to buy

Amapola Creek, Zinfandel, Monte Rosso Vineyard 2009 ($42): This is an amazing interpretation of Zinfandel. The characteristics of the 118-year-old vines shine. With incredibly low yields, the flavors are intense but in balance. Arrowood lets the vineyard really speak in this wine as vibrant black cherry, licorice and pepper notes resonate. A great mixture of vanilla and cedar highlight a lingering finish.  

Amapola Creek, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley 2008 ($70): This wine has a satiny mouthfeel and a complexity that calls attention to what flavors emerge. It’s elegantly crafted with tannins that provide a structure for cocoa and dark chocolate to mix with plum and cassis in a wine that stands as a Sonoma County standard barer. It is long-lasting with a robust finish of black cherry notes that continue to linger. Layer after layer of dark chocolate, coffee and cherry continue to emerge the longer it stays open. This is special.   

Wine 101

Arrowood said the usage of certified organic grown grapes has led to stronger vines and better grapes. No artificial sources are allowed in the vineyard. 

“We produce a better wine without chemistry,” Arrowood said. “The soil is more alive and healthier. We only take out what we put back into the ground. It’s a 360-degree circle and we are stewards of the land. I always wanted to take pictures and leave footprints when it came to farming.”

By James Nokes

Daily Chronicle

“AMAPOLA CREEK Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (Sonoma, California) $60. Nothing says weather chaser better than this rich cabernet with notes of cedar, chocolate and dark berries. Big and balanced, the wine is the perfect stormy match for a fatty steak or something gamey.”

By Editor

Bottlenotes.com/The Daily Sip