Winemaker Notes
As has become tradition, Laurie kept all of the lots separate during vinification and aging so that the subtle differences of each individual lot of the vineyard are exhibited. She tasted the lots frequently, closely monitoring fermentations and ensuring a rich, garnet color and silky tannins. The wines were then aged in small French oak barrels (53% new) for 14 months to soften the tannins and add layers of toasty oak, cedar, vanilla and sweet spice. Laurie's careful monitoring and then blending of each of these lots and varietals results in a seamless and utterly unique wine. The final blend is 79% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and small portions of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot.
"Blending the Alluvium is as rewarding as it is challenging, with a commitment to create an expression of the best red Bordeaux varietals with each vintage. The proprietary Alluvium name pays homage to the alluvial soils of Knights Valley, a vineyard that Beringer has a rich history with, and one that consistently rewards me with wonderful fruit to work with. The 2006 Alluvium is ripe with cassis and cedar aromas, along with hints of cardamom and cocoa. Flavors of sun-ripened cherries, vanilla bean and a lip-smacking blackberry finish make this an instantly enthralling wine." - Laurie Hook, Beringer Vineyards Winemaker
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
The black cherry flavors of this Cabernet blend merge into gentle, earthy tannins, finely integrated and savory in the end. It has a silken gloss, generous enough to melt in your mouth with a lamb chop.
As California's longest continuously operating winery, Beringer has been defining Napa Valley winemaking since it was founded by Jacob and Frederick Beringer in 1876. By continuing that pioneering spirit, Beringer established many 'firsts' as leaders in the wine industry. They were one of the first gravity fed facilities and among the first to operate using hand dug caves and cellars. Beringer were the first to give public tours in 1934, starting a Napa Valley hospitality tradition. They are the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine. Today, they proudly celebrate and remain true to their pioneering legacy.
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.
A small and picturesque valley separating Napa Valley on its south border and Alexander Valley to its north, Knights Valley excels in similar varieties as the two aforementioned appellations, namely red Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as Sauvignon blanc. Originally established by Beringer Vineyards, today several outstanding producers claim acreage here. The circadian cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean create a nighttime respite for vineyards during the hot growing season.