Winemaker Notes
Alexander Valley possesses the greatest diversity of soil types in any winegrowing region of California. It has a long history of dramatic geological activity which created numerous soil types and microclimates. This diversity allows us to produce wines with a great range of flavor, texture and character.
Simi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is created by keeping all of our diverse vineyard blocks separate throughout the winemaking process. This allows the winemaker to select the best vineyard lots for the final blend. The blend is created over a two year period by selecting the best barrels from the most intense lots. The complexity of this wine is created not only from our vineyards sites, but also from blending with other classic Bordeaux varietals.
This unique combination of vineyard sites and varietals results in a wine that is both powerful and elegant, with Alexander Valley's signature luscious, velvety tannins.
While Sonoma County is acclaimed—and rightfully so—for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Zinfandels, it also produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Of the region’s 18 American Viticultural Areas, only a handful produce top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon. These appellations include Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignons made in these appellations can offer a complex array of aromas and flavors. Fruit notes such as blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry and raspberry often are accompanied by hints of graphite, dusty earth, cigar box, toast and vanilla. The varietal has a rich history in Sonoma, and some of these Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-based blends rival the best from Napa Valley.