Alexander Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma 2021

95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot

This wine is easily recognizable as classic Alexander Valley with medium body, great fruit flavors and smooth, structured tannins. Winemaker Kevin Hall added Merlot for structure, and Malbec and Petit Verdot for color. This is an elegant wine with earthy aromas of cassis, plum, cherry, vanilla, oak and slight chocolate.

In the glass there are lush flavors of cherry, cassis, blackberry and chocolate. The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a structured wine with firm tannins and a chewy finish that evolves with each sip. While fruit forward upon release, this wine will reward those with the patience to lay down a few bottles.

At harvest, the quality of the fruit was excellent with high acidity and intense flavors. The wine was aged for 14 months in 25% new French and American oak barrels.

AVV practices sustainable agriculture. The Wetzel family’s commitment to their vineyards and winery is informed by their respect for the surrounding land. When the family bought their Alexander Valley property in 1962, they were attracted by the ranch’s natural beauty: rugged hillsides, rolling meadows, rushing winter creeks and plentiful wildlife. Since that time the family has focused on protecting this land. Today the third generation is continuing this legacy as the fourth generation is growing up on the property they love.