
Winemaker Notes
The Cabernet Franc grapes for this wine were sourced from hillside vineyards in Alexander Valley. The fermentation was conducted in our rotary fermenters which allowed us to attain the maximum, desirable extraction of color, flavor and tannin. Maturation in French oak from several cooperages has further complexed and enhanced the wine. This same wine was a component of the 1999 Reserve Alexandre Meritage blend.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.