Hank Wetzel produced AVV’s first wines in 1975 and the wine world quickly took notice of the elegant Cabernet Sauvignons from Alexander Valley. Thirty years later in 2004 he decided to focus on the flavor profile that made the valley famous, releasing a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon known as Alexander School Reserve. We continue that tradition with this newest release, a testament to AVV Winemaker Kevin Hall's skill and the Alexander Valley's unique ability to grow amazing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
The 2020 growing season enjoyed near-perfect growing conditions. The year began with lower than normal rainfall and unseasonably warm temperatures. This was followed by weeks of steady daytime heat and cool evenings, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly.
The grapes for this vintage were selected from one of our favorite valley floor vineyards. This was the last lot of 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon harvested, the long hang time resulted in grapes with intense, complex and concentrated flavors. After harvest the lot was de-stemmed, fermented, then aged in 44% new French oak barrels for 32 months to accentuate the complexity and firm tannins.
Inky color and enticing dark fruit aromas of cassis, black cherry, plum and boysenberry, along with oak, vanilla and chocolate fill the glass. This is a big wine with complex flavors of cherry, boysenberry, vanilla, chocolate, and a hint of oak. There is nice texture with well integrated silky tannins and a long finish in this classic Cab.
You can easily enjoy this bottle now, but take our advice and stow a few bottles away for the future!
Accolades:
2020: 93 points - James Suckling
2020: 92 points & Gold Medal – Sunset International Wine Competition
2020: Double Gold Medal - San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo 2025 International Wine Competition
