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
Inky, plush, and cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
