Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon continues the winegrowing and winemaking approach that has garnered consistent critical acclaim. Intense fruit flavors and subtle layers of spice and earth further distinguish our Alexander Valley Cabernet. Bold, dark fruit notes of plum and black currant mingle with hints of baking spice to create a layered palate. An ample amount of Petite Sirah from our historic Monte Rosso Vineyard provides added depth and structure to create a rich, full-body, with a lasting finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a cabernet with currant and fresh herb and conifer undertones. Medium to full body, tight and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. So enjoyable now.
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Wine Enthusiast
Tones of clove, bay leaf and sage ride over a core of big black fruit in this youthfully tannic wine. An accent of tobacco arises on the midpalate and leads to a robust, lasting peppery finish.
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.