Geyser Peak Reserve Alexandre Meritage 2003
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
First produced in 1983, Geyser Peak Reserve Alexandre is a traditional blend of five classic Bordeaux red grape varietals. Each year winemaker Mick Schroeter relies on traditional, small-lot fermentation, rigorous selection and extensive trial blending to achieve a consistently stylish, elegantly balanced wine.
The twenty-two mile Alexander Valley region flanks the Russian River in Sonoma County and is known for its multiple terroirs. First planted to wine grapes by namesake pioneer Cyrus Alexander in 1846, the valley is one of the state's oldest and most distinguished growing regions.
Seductively styled, this wine builds up layers of flavor around a focused core of blackcurrant, black cherry and blueberry fruit, from the initial aromas to the plush, focused palate. Hints of oak and spice add complexity, but it's the generous fruit and rich texture that anchor the mid-palate. Turning graceful on the finish, this big, voluptuous wine reveals ripe tannins and a luxurious aftertaste that keeps on going. Overall, balance, elegance and harmony are the hallmarks of this wine.
Other Vintages
2007-
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine &
Spirits
-
Wine &
Spirits
-
Wine &
Spirits
-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine &
Spirits
-
Wine &
Spirits
-
Wine
Spectator
Founded in 1880 as California’s 29th bonded winery, Geyser Peak Winery has more than 135 years of winemaking history in Sonoma County. Originally located perched on a hillside across from Geyser Peak Mountain, its namesake, it commanded a view of the thermal steam clouds that billowed from the mountain summit. Here, in this special place, geothermal activity created the diverse soil pro?les that make this region so exceptionally well suited to wine grape cultivation.
At the forefront of production since its earliest days, Geyser Peak wines are sourced from prime vineyards that capture the essence of Sonoma. Today, located in Dry Creek Valley, Geyser Peak’s winemakers are carrying the winery’s rich history forward and staking an exciting claim on the future. Specializing in aromatic whites and rich reds, wines are crafted in small lots and fermented separately, then blended together to achieve full expression, balance and character. Each wine captures the essence of Sonoma and the appellation’s unique terroir, offering sophistication and ease, elevation and approachability, and taking us from casual days to connoisseur nights.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.