Lately in the wine industry there seems to be a lot of interest in obscure grape varieties both grown in their native homelands and grown here in California, and with so much exciting wines available on the market, it is easy to get caught up and forget about the classics. But when you taste a wine like the 2013 Reynoso Estate Cabernet, you remember why certain grapes and growing areas became famous in the first place. Alexander Valley leaves its own signature on a wine, and this 2013 from Reynoso beautifully captures the place, while at the same time expressing classic Cabernet characteristics as well.
The 2013 Reynoso Estate Cabernet, from Joe and Elena Reynoso’s vineyard in the Alexander Valley, is deep garnet in color, verging on purple. The nose shows black cherry, kirsch, mineral and violets, all the distinctive aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with the slightest hint of bell pepper or dried herb, which is so crucial to varietally correct Cabernet. The palate has more cherry and berry, along with a strong iron component that makes the palate unique. Firm tannins hint at a long life ahead in the cellar, and the wine remains impeccably balanced through a long, fruit driven finish. This wine is a great bargain the release price of $36, at $28 it is surely not to be missed.
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.
Winemaking
This parcel also required a retro-fit of its trellising system to optimize ripening time. All work is done by hand: from leaf-pulling and green drop, to harvesting into half-ton bins. Once the growing season is over, the fruit is gently crushed into half ton bins, where they undergo a slow, cool fermentation with 2-3 gentle punch downs per day. When fermentation is complete they pump the juice into French barrels, where they finish secondary fermentation and gently age for about 20 months. As with many of their wines, they're inspired by the great wine-growing regions of France, where minimal manipulation allows the elegance of the terroir to be most fully expressed.
APPELLATION: Alexander Valley
VINEYARDS: Estate-Grown - Hillside Fruit
VARIETAL: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
AGING: 20 Months in French Oak, 25% New
ALCOHOL: 14.2% by volume
PRODUCTION: 26 Barrels
All Wines
Violet black in color with aromas of rich fruity dark berries, honeycomb, vanilla, and hints of forest floor join together with bold flavors of black cherry, and spiced nut. Balanced oak, layered palette, leaving you with a enjoyable persistent finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Rich & Tropical...
Notes of tropical and ripe stone fruits, with aromas of fig, golden apple and hints of butterscotch, integrated with the richer aromas of light caramel, truffle and toasted vanilla from the oak aging. The palate and texture is rich, full-bodied and creamy, while maintaining a balanced vibrancy and finish.
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