Winemaker Notes
Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This wine, which has been separated from the Stonestreet Alexander Mountain estate, is sold under its own label. A 403-case blend from the high elevation vineyards of Alexander Valley Estate, is made by South African winemaker, Graham Weerts. A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, it was aged 19 months in 64% new French oak. An opaque purple color is followed by lots of crushed rock minerality, sweet creme de cassis and black raspberries, and a deep, full-bodied, dusty, earthy, backward personality. It is slightly softer than Stonestreet's 2011 Cabernet Sauvignons, but will still benefit from several years of bottle age. It should keep for 15-20 years.
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.