Laurel Glen is one of California's great Cabernet estates: a single-vineyard winery whose mountain-grown fruit produces wines that age for decades with grace. Founded by Patrick Campbell in 1977, the estate's 14-acre vineyard sits on east-facing Sonoma Mountain slopes, planted entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are defined by structure, minerality, and refusal to follow trends. Current owner Bettina Sichel has maintained the estate's commitment to terroir-driven, single-vineyard Cabernet. A vertical library going back to the early 1980s is one of the great arguments for Sonoma Mountain's aging potential.
Laurel Glen Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Mountain: the flagship, a structured, age-worthy, mineral-driven Cabernet from the historic estate vineyard.
Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Mountain: the estate's more approachable expression, from the forward-drinking lots; bright, savory and food-friendly.
REDS: a value-driven, easy-drinking red blend; the playful second label.
Blanc Slate Sauvignon Blanc: a crisp, bright white rounding out the estate lineup.
Laurel Glen's first vintage was 1981. Before the slope was replanted to Cabernet in 1968, German immigrants farmed mixed red varieties here at the end of the 19th century.
Cabernet Sauvignon was first planted at this site in 1968, and founder Patrick Campbell discovered he had inherited a unique clone of Cabernet now recognized by UC Davis as the Laurel Glen Clone. The vineyard has been certified organic since 2014 and is farmed by Phil Coturri. After 30 vintages, Campbell sold to a group led by Bettina Sichel (fifth-generation European wine family) in 2011, who ushered in the current era. Tasting room in the heart of Glen Ellen village: Chilled Tasting ($30, four whites and rosés), Classic ($40, two chilled wines plus two Cabernets), Collector ($50, three Cabernets including library vintage), Library Tasting ($60, decade-spanning library vintages), and the Evolution of Cabernet (30 years of estate Cabernet with chef-crafted pairings). Dog- and family-friendly. Text ahead (707) 933-9877 for availability.
