Bob Cabral
Winemaker
Bob Cabral has been involved in growing and making wine professionally since 1980 and has had an interest in wine and farming since his childhood helping his grandfather make wine in his barn. Growing up pruning grapes, irrigating vineyards and harvest became routine on his families 70 acre ranch near Escalon, CA. A fourth generation farmer and grape grower from the great San Joaquin Valley, he took all he learned at the family farm and applied it to his studies at Fresno State University. In the mid 1980s while working at a large winery south of Fresno, Bob knew that Sonoma County was where he could best hone his skills and learn to make wines that could rival the best made anywhere in the world. He worked for the next 33 vintages in various winemaking positions as the Associate Winemaker at De Loach Vineyards, Custom Crush Winemaker at Kunde Estate Winery, Winemaker at Alderbrook Vineyards, Winemaker at Hartford Court winery, Winemaker/General Manager at Williams Selyem Winery, Director of Winemaking at Three Sticks Wines, and now co-Winemaker at Bricoleur and focusing on his own line Bob Cabral Wines. Bob is an experienced winemaker whose meticulousness and patience yield of wines that are authentic expressions of each variety and vineyard site.
"I grew up growing grapes in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s and moved to Sonoma County in 1986 – since that time, I’ve worked for some of the most iconic brands, won a bunch of awards, and made fantastic friends who continue to fill my soul with joy. Why, then would I start my own wine label at this point in life? To get back to basics: Growing grapes, making wine, and being creative along the way. I also wanted to use the wine as a way to give back to the community, and support charities in my adopted hometowns of Healdsburg, Sonoma County, and beyond."
Bob, along with his wife Heather and daughter Paige, make their home in Healdsburg, CA, and started Bob Cabral Wines in 2015, utilizing proceeds to give back to children in crisis, schools, youth groups and now fire victims. They encourage everyone to do the same and give back to your community, it does wonders for the soul.
To learn more about Bob Cabral and his wine, please visit bobcabralwines.com
Rosé
2022 Valette Rosé of Pinot Noir
Harvest Notes
Winemaker: Bob Cabral
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Alcohol Content: 13.5
PH: 3.29
Brix: 22.9
Winemaker's Notes
Our 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir is packed with aromas of freshly baked strawberry and rhubarb pie, toasted crème brûlée and citrus flowers. To achieve full and balanced harmony, the wine underwent partial malolactic fermentation, broadening the mouthfeel while maintaining the vibrant and crisp finish. The bright cherry and strawberry aromatics are accompanied by a slight tannic backbone and natural acidity of the coast, which creates a finish that is both rich and clean.
Chef's Notes
The beauty of Rosé is its versatility, you can enjoy a bottle on the front porch with friends or with your favorite culinary creations. The 2022 Valette Rosé of Pinot Noir is ideally served with lighter, seafood driven dishes. Think along the line of Oysters, Ceviche and Seared Scallops. My favorite dish to enjoy with this Rosé is a simple flash seared Hawaiian Ahi Tataki with sliced Crane Melons, Prosciutto and Toasted Hazelnuts. The bright acidity and aromatics of this Rosé match beautifully with the floral Crane melon and umami rich Hawaiian Ahi.
To best enjoy we suggest serving at 45º.
Pinot Noir
2020 Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Harvest Notes
Winemaker: Bob Cabral
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Alcohol Content: 14.4%
PH: 3.49
Brix: 23.9
Winemaker's Notes
The nose of this Pinot Noir is pure aromas of cherry pie with toasty pie crust notes, fresh Coastal herbs and toasty French oak. To achieve full balanced harmony the wine underwent malo-lactic fermentation to broaden the mouth feel while maintaining the vibrant /crisp finish. The additional bottle aging has allowed the bright ripe Maraschino cherry and boysenberry fruits fill your mouth with a slight backbone of tannin to bring a long rich finish. The natural Sonoma Coast acidity gives a rich & refreshing palate on the finish.
Farmer's Notes
The fruit set was wonderful along the Sonoma Coast and it was a typical growing season. We experienced the usual heat waves in late summer, but the vines held up through those events, with a bit of water, and the fruit continued to mature at a reasonable pace. We saw typical temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s for the remainder of the harvest. Nights were especially chilly, and consistent winds on the Sonoma Coast slowed ripening. There is something about setting vine balance early in the year so your vines can do all the work on their own. Our growers did everything necessary to help us craft balanced, fruit forward and concentrated wine.
Pinot Noir
2019 Bush Crispo Vineyard, Sonoma County
Harvest Notes
Winemaker: Bob Cabral
Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Alcohol Content: 14.4%
PH: 3.57
Brix: 23.9
Winemaker's Notes
This Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley is pure and precise, from famed single vineyard - Bush Crispo. The cool/foggy growing season allowed for a long, leisurely harvest and accentuated the many unique flavors of this site.Those same cooler nights maintained very bright acidity, and a complex, energetic and vibrant wine, with incredible texture and mouthfeel. Intense boysenberry and Bing cherry aromas combine with white truffles, forest floor, and mocha. The palate is long and full, very indicative of Russian River Valley but layered with savory notes of charcuterie and sassafrass. The finish is long with concentrated red fruits and finishes with balanced acidity. This wine will age 5-10 years very well in bottle, showing everything in perfect harmony and will really capture the delicate breadth of pinot noir.
Farmer's Notes
After the light spring rains in May, the growing season returned to normal, and fruit set was wonderful all along the Russian River Valley. We then had an unusually long, cool growing season through October. With no real heat waves in late summer, we experienced long ,slow, even ripening. The nights were foggy and chilly, slowing tannin ripening. Controlling yields was extremely critical for success, we worked closely with Chris & Audrey to balance the grapevines for true balance of flavor. This cooperation is what has allowed us to craft the best wine of the amazing 2019 vintage.