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
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
