La Sophia Cabernet Sauvignon @LaStellaWinery

100% Old Vine Cab With a Rich History

At LaStella a great wine is not just one with a rich entry, perfect balance, and a long finish, but a wine that also speaks to the land and the growing season of that vintage.
La Sophia hails from one of the most revered sites in the Okanagan Valley: U2 . Located on a plateau at the foot of the mountains facing south on 340 meter elevation, the soil profile is deep, sandy, glacio-fluvial parent materials including kettle outwash deposit. Bedrock is dominated by gneiss and granite. In sum, perfect terroir for a late ripening variety like Cabernet Sauvignon.
The U2 vineyard was planted by then Osoyoos native band’s chief: Mr. Sam Baptist. To this date, these vines are still cared for by him. U2 block is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) plantation of Cabernet Sauvignon in British Columbia. Some of the plantings are from the late 70s, another one in the mid 80s followed by the latest plantings in the early 90s. After the better part of a decade convincing Sam that we would be an honourable and worthy recipient of these precious grapes, we finally got to him in 2011 and as such continue to have the first right of selection of the entire block. This is one amazing site when sun, moon and stars line up nearly in every vintage.

2011 La Sophia Cabernet Sauvignon

$85 (strict 3 bottle limit per person)

A rare 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, hailing from one of the coolest (but long so don’t go thinking green and bell pepper dominant flavours) growing seasons in the Okanagan. This meant only less than two barrels or 42 cases were produced. But what has managed to meet our exacting standards and get bottled is the quintessential example of a cool climate Cabernet with all its glory. Cassis, cedar, vintage cuban cigar and savoury grilled herb crusted steak aromas make the aromatic profile of this wine.

It is worthy of noting that despite baring the name “Cabernet Sauvignon” on the label, the wine laws in most countries allow for 15 to 25% of different grapes to be included in the blend while the label still reads “Cabernet Sauvignon”. In other words, not every bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon that may cross your palate is indeed 100% Cabernet. In fact, it rarely is the case. Why? The answer is easy: Cabernet is a small and thick skin grape that is a very late ripener. It means its often too structured and lacks mid palate and enough fruit to balance its heft. It is as such almost always blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec or Syrah. Be it the heart of Napa or Left Bank of Bordeaux, rarely Cabernet constitutes more than 85% of the blend. Everything has to be just perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon to stand on its own two feet and wow the wine connoisseur. That is why La Sophia albeit only two barrels of it made is a big deal and worthy of celebration for all Cab lovers.

REVIEWS

This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from 26-year-old vines at the U2 block at Inkameep Vineyards. This is a legendary block from which numerous outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines have been made by various producers. These mature vines produced fruit, even in a cooler year, which yielded 14.7% alcohol and ripe flavours. The wine has aromas of cassis and vanilla. The texture is almost dense, with flavours of black currants, prune, minerals, spice and tobacco. This is clearly a wine for cellaring or, if you want to open it now, for aggressive decanting.

John Schreiner | 95 Points

As should be for a wine from the Pacific Northwest, it is kindred to the Cabs of Washington State rather than the more plump and decadent Cabs of California. A classic Cab, this wine presents notes of black currants, green pepper, and cigar box best coaxed out by decanting if opened soon. The tannins? They’ll grab you and throw you to the mat. And that’s just it – you can’t rush Sophia. Like her namesake, Sophia Loren, she’s fiery and will have her way with you in her younger years, though she’ll age gracefully, there’s no doubt about that. Give her time – maybe even a decade – and ooh-la-la, she’s a beauty to behold!

Wine Shout

With wine club and wine society members, as well as previous customers of this wine already taken their allocation, we have a mere 36 bottles left to sell. In order to spread the love and enable as many wine lovers to enjoy this rarity, we have applied a maximum 3 bottles purchase per person limit. Shop on our website or send us an email. Orders will be processed on a first come first serve basis. This wine will be a living legend of Okanagan and when stored properly should be developing favourably for 15+ years if not more.