Savvy Cabernet Sauvignon lovers planning a tour of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley always put Tara Bella Winery on their lists. This little jewel totals only six acres, but it produces some of the region’s finest Cabernet Sauvignons. The proof is in the Gold medals. Nearly every vintage has produced at least one.
The winery was recently purchased by Wendy and Kevin Morrow, who met and fell in love more than 26 years ago while working in the wine industry. Together, they created a small private label, TwoMorrows, which has received many Golds and a sweepstakes medal.
Through the years, the Morrows would visit Tara Bella Winery frequently to enjoy the serene property and its consistently delicious Cabernet Sauvignons. They couldn’t believe their good fortune when the opportunity to buy the winery presented itself.
Kevin brings 26 years of viticulture experience from bud to bottle, while Wendy brings experience in hospitality. Her parties are legendary.
Each bottle is 100 percent estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon—numbered and hand waxed by son, Dillon, a viticulture student with experience in the cellar, demonstrating that Tara Bella wines are a true labor of love. The most recent releases, the 2009 Russian River Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009 Sonoma County Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, were released in October 2011 in a total quantity of 734 cases. Both wines come from two separate clones that grow in the same soil and climate conditions. Visitors to the tasting room and those who order the wines enjoy tasting the different styles they produce. Those who’ve tasted past vintages join Tara Bella’s exclusive wine club early, knowing that 95 percent of total production is sold through the club. And they sell out every year.
The Morrows are inviting members of the Tara Bella wine club to join them on a river cruise through Portugal to Spain in June 2012 and are eager to share the details with those who are interested.