And while a bottle of Alexander Valley Silver Oak will run $100..
this incredible Cabernet is an absolute steal for less than half.
Their prior vintage scored 95 Points and Double Gold.
Vineyard
The fruit for this wine was harvested from a 1.5 acre vineyard parcel with a SSW facing slope 450 feet above the Russian River. Planted in 1998 in challenging terrain with great soil for Cabernet, the vineyard faces many challenges during the growing season. This block requires a specially designed fertilizing, irrigating, and leaf-pulling regimen to keep the vines in optimal health for growing perfect Cabernet.
Vintage
The 2019 vintage was a leisurely growing season with a late summer start. This seasonal change allowed for longer standing times, even ripening and fuller fruit while preserving natural acidity. Harvest started about a week later than average compared to prior vintages. Mild growing conditions led to a very long season, with fruit picking lasting well into October. This extended season allowed for picking each block of grapes at the ideal level of maturity, producing balanced, flavors with complexity and nuance.
Winemaking
100% Estate Grown and comprised of mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon, with small additions of Petit Verdot, Syrah and Merlot. Hand-picked and sorted, the grapes were crushed and gently destemmed to tank for a 5-day cold soak and 22-day ferment with punchdowns 3 times daily descending as fermentation progressed. The final blend was transferred to French oak barrels in early December for a 24-month aging process. The impact of new and neutral French oak on the 2019 Cabernet provides an elegant and complex tannin structure suitable for aging over 10-15 years.
APPELLATION: Alexander Valley
VINEYARDS: Estate-Grown - Hillside Fruit
VARIETAL: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah and 2% Merlot
AGING: Aged for 24 months in new and neutral French Oak.
ALCOHOL: 14.3% by volume
92 Points
With aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
New Release
A ferociously fun Napa Valley blend with depth, balance and big flavor. Aromas of red currant, fresh strawberries, black plum, vanilla, and notes of cocoa on the nose. The palate is bursting with fruit ranging from cherries, mixed berry compote, toasted hazelnut and more. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
