Geyser Peak Walking Tree Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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Suckling
James
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A consistent favorite of intimate bistros and innovative eateries, this wine showcases the wonderful pleasures of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The deep plum color of this sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon gives way to expressive aromas of white pepper, dark berry fruit, and cassis. Aging in French oak barrels softens the otherwise firm tannins and introduces hints of toasted vanilla and leather on the palate. Luscious blueberry and blackberry flavors are refined and perfectly balanced by a spiciness that lingers on a long and elegant finish. This wine is a perfect complement to braised beef short ribs, chicken cacciatore, caramelized onions, blue cheese, and dark chocolate mousse.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Nice, pure currants and plums with hints of fresh herbs and pine needles. Full-to medium-bodied with very pretty, round tannins that are nicely integrated with the light chocolate and hazelnut flavors that color the lovely fruit at the finish. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two.
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Founded in 1880 as California’s 29th bonded winery, Geyser Peak Winery has more than 135 years of winemaking history in Sonoma County. Originally located perched on a hillside across from Geyser Peak Mountain, its namesake, it commanded a view of the thermal steam clouds that billowed from the mountain summit. Here, in this special place, geothermal activity created the diverse soil pro?les that make this region so exceptionally well suited to wine grape cultivation.
At the forefront of production since its earliest days, Geyser Peak wines are sourced from prime vineyards that capture the essence of Sonoma. Today, located in Dry Creek Valley, Geyser Peak’s winemakers are carrying the winery’s rich history forward and staking an exciting claim on the future. Specializing in aromatic whites and rich reds, wines are crafted in small lots and fermented separately, then blended together to achieve full expression, balance and character. Each wine captures the essence of Sonoma and the appellation’s unique terroir, offering sophistication and ease, elevation and approachability, and taking us from casual days to connoisseur nights.
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.