Nose
It has an enticing nose of cassis, blackberry, vanilla, sage and spearmint.
Palate
Upon entry, this wine builds from potpourri and bramble to a bright pop of raspberry on the mid-palate. A juicy finish with chewy tannins and a medium length, it will provide drinking pleasure through 2042 with proper cellaring.
Growing Conditions
The 2016 vintage was the beginning of the end of the enduring drought. Ample rainfall in the winter months filled reservoirs and soil profiles and allowed a strong start into the growing season. Warm weather in mid-February led to early budbreak, but we were fortunate not to see any frost damage to the vulnerable shoots in spring. The post-bloom period was consistently warm and steady throughout, and there were only two smaller heat events. A few cool weeks in August followed and brought plenty of coastal fog to protect the developing fruit. We saw steady fruit ripening with aromatic and phenolic development in sync with sugar accumulation. The result was healthy fruit with high flavor and aromatic concentration plus good acidity—the perfect combination for a one-of-a-kind wine.
Appearance
Our 2016 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby in color with a magenta rim.
