Winemaker Notes
The 2022 vintage showcases the ripeness expected from a low rainfall and very warm vintage. The aromatic profile is rich with kirsch, chocolate covered cherry, cassis and bay leaf. The palate has tremendous breadth and length with flavors of cocoa, dark plum, mocha, cedar and black cherry. The mid-palate and finish displays firm, yet mouth coating and generous tannins.
Enjoy with filets, short ribs, and T-bones grilled or broiled, with salt, pepper and olive oil, or topped with herbed red wine reduction sauces. Aged cheddar and most other hard cheeses will pair nicely as well. The balance of this wine makes it an easy pairing.
Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 3% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The bright and focused nose of this Cabernet delivers layers of blackberry, cherry and plum aromas on the nose. The palate displays very fine tannic structure, with round berry fruit and hints of leather, peppercorn and cocoa powder.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley is a bright magenta/red and is spicy and inviting with notes of dusty cedar, dried earth, ripe red plum, and preserved cherries. Full-bodied, it has a refreshing spine of acidity and keeps light on its feet, with a delicate, savory, gamey richness on the finish. I enjoy the levity it retains, and it’s likely going to drink well over the coming 15 years.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.