Winemaker Notes
2006 was a solid vintage in Alexander Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon – a finesse vintage with good density of fruit but softer, more mature tannins. Physiological ripeness happened at slightly lower sugars than in past years, providing a sense of balance that should serve this wine well.
This classic Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers rich, dark fruit aromas that lead to flavors of black cherry, black plum, anise and chocolate. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon creates a wonderful density and concentration to this wine along with well-structured tannins. On the palate, hints of brown baking spice meld with the dark fruit and polished tannins. The finish is long with hints of sweet fruit. This Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful introduction to Alexander Valley.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a beautiful Cabernet, and at this price, a super deal. It's a dry and soft, with the dusty tannins and herbal flavors the mark of Alexander Valley Cab. But you'll find rewarding notes of blackberries. A great job from this veteran winery. Editors' Choice.
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.