Winemaker Notes
Inspired by the river that carved the rocky Alexander Valley, this Cabernet brims with blackberry and cocoa.
A stunning holiday gift and the perfect match for roasts and winter dishes.
Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A charismatic and finessed aromatic profile of dark cherries, bergamot, tea leaves and chocolate. The palate is full-bodied with delicate tannins and bright acidity, showing notes of red currants, pine resin, sarsaparilla and cloves.
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Tasting Panel
With small percentages of Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Alicante Bouschet, this full-bodied red exudes a perfume of crushed boysenberry and vanilla. The palate is juicy and energetic, with lush tannins and vibrant blue and red fruit. Deep notes of mocha and plum converge as the wine opens up. revealing its structured soul.
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.