Still Known for Outstanding Vinos: B.R. Cohn Winery

During Dan Cohn’s “formative years” in California’s wine country, he probably never gave a second thought to his childhood house becoming his place of business, but that’s just how it happened.  Now, the entire operation is run out of that very house and that’s okay.

At the winery, things are all wine, well most of the time.  But there are a few non-wine things that happen at B.R. Cohn.

Maybe it’s a diversion from the pressures of a very competitive industry, but the property also includes their Amphitheater with a full calendar of events.  What an excellent diversion!

As it goes, after 41 years in the business (Dan’s dad, the namesake of the winery, and Doobie Brothers band manager, retired in early 2014) Dan decided to sell the winery to Vintage Wine Estates last year. But of course, all these years of experience still remains in the wine.  And fortunately, there are still bottles of the original lineup out there to be had.

Sourced from a variety of growers throughout the Sonoma and Napa appellations, the fruit going into their vinos is among the best available.  And these are nearly all long-term grower contracts, assuring consistency and wonderful results for years to come.

B.R. Cohn Cabernets take full advantage of these rich and varied sources of fruit.  This allows blends using 100% Cabernet from locations like Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Mendocino and Sonoma also included.  Now that will round out your glass!

Dan’s featured Cabernet is the “Gold Label” and the 2012 vintage is every bit on the inside what it is on outside, golden.  Its bouquet is laced with ripe dark cherry, plum, dusty earth, tobacco, licorice, and a tad of what many tasters pleasingly call “band-aid”.  In the mouth, there are more ripe cherries, cinnamon spice, with a slightly buttery balanced acidity, ala Bordeaux.  It finishes on the peppery side with a little caramel, and more spice, elegantly expressed.

In spite of its excellent presentation now, the 2012 will be even better as it continues to soften and integrate in 3-5, or even more, years down the road.  Taste now, but rack for later.

The Gold Label will pair with a char-grilled steak and also a prime rib with plenty of horseradish.  It’s a perfect beef partner.

The 2012 Gold Label is still in stock for about $40 at Total Wine and the less expensive 2014 Silver Label is about $23.  You can also get their special “Olive Hill” rendition for $50.