Nose
Concentrated aromas of juicy blackberry, black cherry and vanilla laced toasty oak notes sit atop hints of tobacco and cedar.
Palate
Rich and round in structure, this wine showcases ripe, concentrated flavors of lifted blackberry and cassis notes complimented by spicy molasses cookie and cocoa on the finish.
Growing Conditions
Grapes for the Folie à Deux 2015 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon were carefully selected from prime vineyards in northern Sonoma’s renowned Alexander Valley. Stretching 22 miles from Healdsburg to Cloverdale following the Russian River’s winding course, this appellation is noted for its high quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vineyards, which benefit from the region’s warm climate, marine-cooled evenings and well-drained, volcanic hillside soils.
Harvest
The Alexander Valley had relatively moderate temperatures in 2015 as it was the fourth consecutive year of the considerable drought in Sonoma County. Abundant sunshine allowed the grapes to ripen evenly throughout the growing season, and minimal rainfall, followed by warmth and ample air circulation, kept the threat of fungus at bay. Although Cabernet Sauvignon is typically a late-ripening variety, warmer-than-average temperatures in spring and early summer prompted an early harvest. The fruit from this vintage yielded rich fruit flavors and soft tannins.
Winemaking
This Cabernet Sauvignon underwent a maceration period of 10 to 16 days, which fostered the rich color, medium body, balanced mouthfeel and excellent aging potential of the wine. Following a moderate fermentation temperature of 75°F, the wine was aged
Aging
Aged for 22 months in a combination of French and American and Hungarian oak barrels, giving it a plush mouthfeel and complex layers of flavor.
Food Pairing
Pair the 2015 Folie à Deux Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with herb-crusted lamb or a juicy, seasoned burger topped with goat cheese and carmelized onions.
