Cabernet Sauvignon in a big bottle, great for parties!
In the late 1960s we bottled a few cases of Cabernet Sauvignon for friends and family. Those first few cases of homemade wine inspired the vision for our estate winery, Alexander Valley Vineyards. Decades later both our winery and this iconic valley are known for our flagship wine Cabernet Sauvignon.
2017 was a vintage of contrasts. Our ample rainfall in January and February allayed any talk of drought, but winter rains were followed by a warm spring and many heat spikes through-out the summer until we began picking the first lot on September 7. After harvest each lot was de-stemmed, fermented separately, then aged in 25% new American and French oak barrels for 14 months.
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Alexander Valley wine with medium body, great fruit flavors and smooth, structured tannins. Winemaker Kevin Hall added 12% Merlot for structure, a touch of Cabernet Franc for floral notes and Malbec and Petit Verdot for color.
This is an elegant wine with aromas of black cherry, cassis, plum, vanilla, oak and a hint of chocolate. In the glass there are lush flavors of cherry, cassis, blackberry and chocolate. The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon evolves with each sip. This is a graceful wine with great balance and a long, lingering finish. Enjoyable upon release, this wine will reward those with the patience to lay down a few bottles.
Accolades:
2017: 91 points & Best Buy - Wine & Spirits
2017: 91 points - Blue Lifestyle (Anthony Dias Blue)
2017: 90 points - Wine Advocate
2017: 90 points & Gold Medal - Sunset International Wine Competition
2017: Gold Medal & Best Value - China Wine & Spirits Award
