At public speaking events, I often say that I do just about everything in the wine industry except make wine. But that changed recently when I had the amazing opportunity to be one of the eight national sommeliers chosen to be part of the team that crafted the newest 
release of the 2012 Sommelier Selection Cabernet Sauvignon at Raymond Vineyards in St. Helena, Napa Valley.
This new release marks the fifth vintage of the Sommelier Series. Hand selected by winery proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset and winemaker Stephanie Putnum, other cool sommelier friends from the years past have included: Emily Wines (Kimpton Gotels & Restaurants, CA), Michael Jordan (Master Sommelier, CA), Anani Lawson (French Laundry & Bardessono, Napa Valley), Haley Guild Moore (Stock & Bones Company, SF), and other star somms from around the nation.
As it worked out, Marc Irving from the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and I made the winning blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot that was used to make the 5,000 cases of the 2012 vintage that were just released in November.
The story of the experience was recently published in the October-November issue of Sommelier Journal. And below is is more information about this fabulous wine and the exception winemaking experience provided by Raymond Vineyards. Enjoy the Sommelier Series Cabernet Sauvignon and don’t forget to look for the wine and other new releases from Raymond Vineyard at fine restaurants and retail shops near you!
