Winemaker Notes
A Bordeaux-style blend, the 2015 Innovant captures the elegance and distinct character of Sonoma County terroir. Carefully selected lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from our Alexander Valley vineyards offer aromas of intense blue fruits, cola and dusty red raspberry. Flavors of savory nutmeg and spices combine effortlessly with a silky mouthfeel and long tannins while mountain fruits complement the bright acid of this wine.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Ripe, sexy, and voluptuous, the 2015 Innovant Red Wine is the entry-level blend from the estate based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot brought up in 50% new French oak. Crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, lead pencil and spice notes give way to a medium to full-bodied wine that has sweet, rounded tannin, plenty of fruit, and a good finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, the 2015 Red Wine Innovant has a deep garnet-purple color with a nose of ripe plums, crushed black currants and black berries with touches of bay leaves and menthol. Medium-bodied, tightly knit and with a firm structure of grainy tannins and electric freshness, it finishes on a lovely mineral note.
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.
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.