Richard Arrowood, founder, and winemaker of Amapola Creek has a long history of wine in Sonoma. His name is as well known in the region as the wine itself. Among his many accomplishments, he developed some of the first Chardonnay and Cabernet vineyards in the region.

Richard was born and raised in California with his heart set on Sonoma. From his beginnings in the world of wine, since he was studying at the University,he began working in different and recognized wineries in the area, such as Korbel Champagne Cellars, Chateau St. Jean, and Arrowood Winery, until he sold his namesake brand to focus all his dedication, time and love to Amapola Creek.

Amapola Creek began with the release of its first vintage in 1985. Since then and to date, Amapola Creek wines are characterized for small productions but of extremely high quality. Richard is recognized in California and worldwide for his great oenological achievements. Year after year, his wines are given great reviews by some of the world's best wine critics like Robert Parker and Jeb Dunnuck, to name a few.

Richard and his wife Alis, are completely in love with the terroir where their wines are produced, and their mantra is to make high-quality wines that are born in the vineyard.By producing numerous wines from a single vineyard in small batches, they have successfully demonstrated the importance of terroir.

His estate consists of more than 100 acres, divided into 5 different vineyards. The terroir, as you might imagine, is exquisite. The red soils are composed of iron oxide from, where some of the best wines of Sonoma have been born. Amapola Creek started to enter in the world of responsible winemaking, where more than 20 acres of its vineyards are certified organic by the CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers).

Aging: 24 months in new French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot. Aromas of juicy red plum and blackberry, fruit notes of black currant, accented with subtle notes of oak and toasted vanilla. On the palate, firm acidity that opens quickly into dark black fruit with just a touch of anise and a bare hint of pomegranate. Deeply structured tannins, underscoring a finish redolent with chocolate, blueberry preserves, and aged cedar. Long finish. 

Reviews

Blended of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard offers pronounced black currants, black cherries, and wild blueberry scents with hints of mulberries, Chinese five-spice, tilled soil, bay leaves, and tapenade. Very big, concentrated, and powerful in the mouth, it completely coats the palate with black fruits and savory layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with great persistence. ~94 Robert Parker.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley is a beautiful blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot that spent two years in new and used French oak barrels. Cassis, currants, dried tobacco, and lead pencil notes all emerge from the glass and it's layered, medium-bodied, and seamless on the palate. Possessing fine tannin and terrific overall balance, it's going to keep for 10-15 years.~93 Jeb Dunnuck.

Richard Arrowood, of Chateau St Jean and Arrowood Vineyards fame, rather quietly produces exceptional wines from his organic vineyard in the Mountain District of Sonoma Valley. This has bold, dark fruit flavors and good palate weight. 100% new French oak. ~92 Decanter.

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