2020 Doren Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley
13.5 % alcohol by volume | titratable acidity 5.7 g/L | pH 3.7
4.5 barrels produced | 110 cases of 12 x 750ml bottles

Vintage: The 2020 growing season in Sonoma Valley was defined by challenges, including extreme weather and wildfires. The winter of 2019-2020 was drier than average, leading to mild drought conditions. A warm, dry spring brought early bud break and favorable conditions for early growth. The summer featured several heatwaves, which accelerated ripening, and water stress became a concern. Many vineyards opted for early harvests to avoid smoke exposure from wildfires. We harvested our Cabernet Sauvignon grapes before dawn on September 27, just before the Napa Glass Fire broke out. This early pick ensured our fruit was unaffected by smoke, preserving its quality and integrity. 

2020 marks our 11th vintage of Doren Cabernet Sauvignon. This year, we introduced a California Bay tree leaf to our label, symbolizing the natural beauty of the vineyards and their surroundings. We continue to prioritize sustainability by using eco-friendly bottles made with 50% less glass, reducing transportation emissions and our overall carbon footprint. 

Vineyard: Our Doren Cabernet Sauvignon comes from our family’s petite ½-acre vineyard in Kenwood, California, in the heart of Sonoma Valley. Starting with the 2016 vintage, we also source Cabernet grapes from the organically farmed Sobre Vista Vineyard in Glen Ellen, located just 10 minutes away. Both vineyards are managed with sustainable and organic practices, ensuring the health of the soil and environment for future generations. We remain committed to keeping our vineyards free from chemicals and toxic substances, fostering a deep respect for the land. 

Winemaking: The grapes were hand-harvested on September 27th, starting in the cool darkness before dawn, at approximately 23 brix, and immediately transported to the urban winery in San Francisco. Once there, they were hand-sorted, de-stemmed, and underwent a six-day cold soak with twice-daily punchdowns. Fermentation began naturally and progressed slowly over an additional 6 days, for a total maceration of 12 days. After fermentation, the free-run wine was gravity-drained, and the berries were lightly pressed into five premium French oak barrels, including 40% new oak. The wine matured in barrel for 31 months before being racked into stainless steel tank, sterile filtered and bottled unfined on July 21, 2023. After 18 months of bottle aging, the wine was released on January 9, 2025. This vegan-friendly wine involves no animal products in its production. 

Tasting Notes: The 2020 Doren Cabernet Sauvignon showcases a vibrant garnet hue and jumps out of the glass with aromas of ripe cherries and chocolate, backed by subtle hints of cedar, spice and forest. The wine is fresh and focused on the palate, driven by bright acidity and more ripe fruit flavors of cherries, currants, and red plums. A silky texture complements the wine's developed tannins, which lead to a long finish with notes of milk chocolate. 

Enjoy this wine upon release, and it will continue to evolve gracefully through 2030. 

Food pairing: Portabella mushroom, juicy bone-in grilled ribeye steak, blue cheese topped burgers, steak tacos, duck confit, lamb and hearty cheeses.