Geyser Peak Alexander Valley Merlot 2006
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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.
With generous fruit and supple tannins, Merlot is made in a range of styles from everyday-drinking to world-renowned and age-worthy. Merlot is the dominant variety in the wines from Bordeaux’s Right Bank regions of St. Emilion and Pomerol, where it is often blended with Cabernet Franc to spectacular result. Merlot also frequently shines on its own, particularly in California’s Napa Valley. Somm Secret—As much as Miles derided the variety in the 2004 film, Sideways, his prized 1961 Château Cheval Blanc is actually a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
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.