Winemaker Notes
2019 Winemaker’s Cuvée is a testament to an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux
grapes and our incredible vineyards in the Alexander Valley. A strong base of 80%
Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot is complemented by small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The combination of warm climate and alluvial and gravelly loam soil found on our estate is ideal for creating balanced wines of concentration and richness. A dark and indulgent wine with great complexity and depth that showcases the 2019 vintage in Alexander Valley beautifully. Aromas and flavors of dark plum and black currant meld together with savory notes of leather, cedar and clove spice. Medium-firm tannins linger on the silky smooth finish.
Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Winemaker's Cuvee is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 5% Malbec, and the rest Cabernet Franc and was aged for 15 months in 50% new French oak. It is rich with aromas of lavender, tobacco, and boysenberry compote and delivers ripe fruit through the mid-palate, with notes of blackcurrant, leather, and baking spice.
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James Suckling
This is toasty and dark-fruited with hints of chocolate, cloves and licorice. Full-bodied with firm tannins and velvety texture. Spicy and tense with hints of spiced oak and wet earth. Lingering finish.
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.