Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
A lush plum nose precedes a rich and dense palate with lovely plum, cherry, and toasty oak. It’s clear that the fruit was skillfully vinified, resulting in a very special and classic wine that’s succulent, balanced, long, and, above all, delicious.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Winemaker's Cuvée is medium to deep garnet-purple in color and scented of cassis, blackberries and preserved plums with suggestions of cedar chest, wood smoke, dried herbs and tapenade plus a waft of charcoal. Full-bodied with tons of black fruit and wood-inspired flavors, it has a solid line of ripe tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: I have enjoyed plenty of Lancaster wines over the last two decades, and have watched as the wines continue to progress. The 2016 Winemaker's Cuvée is an excellent effort, and one of the winery's best to date. TASTING NOTES: This wine is well-built, satisfying, and long. Its aromas and flavors of black fruit, dried dust, and earth should pair it well with l rosemary/garlic infused roast leg of lamb. (Tasted: March 17, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
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.