Winemaker Notes
The 2021 vintage showcases the ripeness expected from a low rainfall and very warm vintage. The aromatic profile is rich with ripe boysenberry, crushed rock, and dried herbs. The palate has tremendous breadth and length with flavors of black cherry, creme de menthe, and graham while savory, spice elements of cinnamon, black tea and cocoa round out the finish. Most reflective of their volcanic soil and sloped aspect are the layers of fine-grained tannin showing a great interplay of finesse, density, and tension. Countless blending trials determined the subtle use of Petit Verdot and Merlot accentuated roundness, complexity and dark fruit nuances while ensuring the Cabernet Sauvignon character remained paramount. Aged in 100% French Oak barrels with 25% being New Medium and Medium Plus toasted barrels to provide richness, layers of flavors and texture. The remaining 75% are second and third fill French Oak barrels providing preservation and respect of the fruit notes and sweet, subtle tactile nuances. 24 months of oak aging provides the necessary interaction between wine and oak to round out and soften the mouthfeel while adding generosity and refinement to the palate.
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: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A good, sturdy, full-bodied red that delivers powerful dark fruit flavors on a hefty, tannic texture. The blackberry, blueberry, graphite and cocoa flavors are juicy and delicious
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Wine Enthusiast
Black plum, blackberry and pencil lead aromas waft from the nose of this wine. The palate is soft and plush, with flavors of dark berry, bitter cocoa and black pepper emerging along the finish. There’s plenty of stuffing here for aging.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from the oldest vines (32 years) and highest elevation on the property (500 feet), the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley has the addition of 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot and was aged in 25% new oak barrels for two years. Boasting an Inky red color, it’s warming in the glass, with notes of scorched earth, baked plum, toasted spices, and warming cedar. Full-bodied and ripe throughout, it has an appealing lushness, ripe tannins, and a velvety mouthfeel.
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.