Michel-Schlumberger

Michel-Schlumberger Review

Down a narrow road at the westernmost edge of the Dry Creek Valley, Michel-Schlumberger is one of Sonoma's finest producers of cabernet sauvignon. A spin through their organically farmed vineyard is like taking a walk through France, and though they're best known for their Bordeaux varietals, you'll also find Burgundian grapes next to ones from Alsace and the Rhône. The tour is unusually casual and friendly. Weather permitting, you'll wander up a hill on a gravel pathway to the edge of their lovely terraced vineyards before swinging through the barrel room in the California Mission-style building that once served as the home of the winery's founder, Jean-Jacques Michel. To taste older vintages of their cabernet and learn what their wines will taste like after 10 or so years in the bottle, reserve in advance for a vertical library tasting ($30). Wine and cheese pairings ($35) are also available by reservation.