Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Alexander's Crown Vineyard produced the first Vineyard Designated Cabernet Sauvignon in Sonoma County. Planted by Rod Strong in 1971, the first vintage was the unforgettable 1974, which placed Sonoma County, and the Alexander's Crown, indelibly on "the map", not to mention garnering top honors by winning the Sweepstakes award at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Since then, it has continued to gain prominence over the years.

The Crown enjoys the coolest growing conditions of our cabernet vineyards, a major factor in its distinctive flavor profile. We grow 3 different clones of cabernet in Clough, Pleasanton, and Positas series soils, all gravelly loams with slopes in almost every direction. Every change in soil, slope, and direction provides opportunities for complexity, and in keeping with our philosophy, each unique section of the Crown vineyard is harvested separately, vinified separately, and reassembled artfully into the multifaceted cabernet that we've known for thirty years.

Blackberry, red currant, and fresh earth are core flavors with the Crown, and are accented by hints of mint and herbs. 20 months in primarily French oak adds a subtle toasty spice component, and both rounds and softens this elegant, Bordeaux styled Cabernet into a graceful expression of the varietal that will entreat you to enjoy another glass.