The grapes for Chateau Souverain's Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon are grown on the hillsides and benchlands of Alexander Valley. These vineyards are noted for their gravelly, low-energy soil, which produces rich, concentrated flavors and colors. We chose Stuhlmuller, Chambers & Hansen and our own estate vineyards as the sources for this vintage. The terraced hillside of Stuhlmuller Vineyard (50%) historically is the backbone of our reserve blends due to its great fruit concentration. Chambers and Hansen vineyard, planted at about 2000 feet high above the northern rim of Alexander Valley, provided 27% of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and all of the 9% of the Cabernet Franc. The remaining 14% are from the estate of Chateau Souverain. The lush, ruby color introduces an expansive nose with dominating aromas of dark berries and currants-quite typical of great Alexander Valley Cabernets. The Cabernet Franc adds fragrant blueberry and violet notes. The extended aging in small barrels resulted in additional complexities of vanilla, coffee and spice integrated with a supple tannin backbone.