Cannonball Wines Boldly Leap Into Distinctive Tastings That Don't Break The Bank

Wine industry veterans Dennis Hill and Yoav Gilat partnered in 2006 and decided how they could do things differently to bring better wine at a reasonable price point to your table. Their mission was to make the best California Cabernet under $20 by combining wine making expertise, grower contacts, and business experience. They established Cannonball Wines in Healdsburg and by 2010, demand increased so much that they expanded their line to include Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc all bearing the Sonoma County appellation.

[[{"fid":"4916029","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"","field_image_caption[und][0][format]":"filtered_html","field_image_credit[und][0][value]":"","field_image_credit[und][0][format]":"image_credit","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"","field_image_caption[und][0][format]":"filtered_html","field_image_credit[und][0][value]":"","field_image_credit[und][0][format]":"image_credit","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"2"}}]]

Cannonball sources from a diverse array of vineyards giving them the flexibility to achieve their signature style and continuity with each vintage. Their brand label is simple and clear on every bottle depicting the ultimate carefree symbol of freedom. A cannonball leap with legs tucked up to the chest and careening towards the water below embodies the uninhibited soul of Cannonball wines.

Here's what you can expect with 2 of their most popular vintages:

2016 Sonoma County Chardonnay

Bitingly rich oak envelopes the palate with a buttery patina. A silky smooth mouth feel with some fieriness thanks to ebullient minerality dissipates into mellow honey undertones.

[[{"fid":"4916028","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"","field_image_caption[und][0][format]":"filtered_html","field_image_credit[und][0][value]":"","field_image_credit[und][0][format]":"image_credit","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"","field_image_caption[und][0][format]":"filtered_html","field_image_credit[und][0][value]":"","field_image_credit[und][0][format]":"image_credit","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"1"}}]]

2014 California Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich and definitive on the nose, big oak buttresses strong undertones of plum and bramble berries. Fruit sugars with a peppery zing are resplendent on the palate along with chunky tannins giving it fun loving sophistication that's unabashedly bold yet quickly evens out on the finish.

Photos courtesy of Cannonball Winery. Coverage made possible by participating in a sponsored tasting.