Winemaker Notes
Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 1% Merlot and was matured for 18 months in 55% new French oak. It unfurls dramatically on the nose, red and black cherry preserves giving way to lilac, tobacco, cast iron and new oak spices. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with perfumed fruit. It’s structured by dusty tannins and mouthwatering acidity and has a long, nuanced finish. 8,150 cases produced.
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Tasting Panel
The Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Merlot that were blended into this wine were mostly sourced from mineral-rich hills in Alexander Valley. Lavender soaked in blueberry jam is so luscious it surprises the senses, enhanced by a velvety mouthfeel. Touches of oak and mocha are a fine pair ignited by a whisper of white pepper and dusty cocoa tannins.
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James Suckling
So fresh and intensely expressive of the grape variety, featuring blackcurrant and blueberry flavors on velvety tannins. Lively black cherries, blackberries, black olives, star anise and espresso. Nicely concentrated and textured, but not too tight to enjoy. Drink now or hold.
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.