Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Named for the prized Alexander Valley within Sonoma, Alexander Valley Vineyards’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a nimble wine whose depth and complexity whisper some of its secrets: that this estate bottling hails from various lots with different soils each fermented separately and blended for breadth –and that this spectrum of flavors widens from mixing in the other country cousins which like Cabernet Sauvignon come from Bordeaux; those are Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot who all come together during 14 months in barrel. In 2011, this meritage blend of sorts could pass as a Bordeaux from the Medoc for its tight red currants, a currant leaf aroma, a lifted spice, fine knit tannins, an al dente character worthy of the table, and a velvety mouthfeel. It somehow sates the desire for a big red without reading as sweet (as so many California reds have begun to read) and despite sating a thirst for a big red it also refreshes the palate with juicy acids. A seriously appealing taste of Alexander Valley.
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, May 2013

Food Pairings

Meat, meat, meat but especially lamb and beef. Game birds, duck, goose, squab. Anything with lots of rosemary.