Ten miles from the Pacific, this steep and rocky site features slopes that range up to 40 percent. Although blessed with a cool. maritime climate, Alpine does not get that windy. Chewy tannins are wrapped in blackberry, espresso, and woodsy tones. Juicy and regal, the wine seduces the palate with a well-developed, complex frame. Slate expands on licorice and Worcestershire, with a touch of mint on the satin-lined finish.
From the southern end of the AVA near Monterey Bay, the vineyards, in a hilly area off the San Andreas fault, are tightly spaced and planted to low-yielding clones. High-strung acidity plays well with bright, tart cherry, cinnamon stick, and cranberry. Sassafras lends a zippy character to purple plum, paced with subtle spice. A radiant red.
This high-elevation vineyard sits on brittle, powdered shale and performs with low drainage and low vigor. Crisp notes of grapefruit sorbet, thyme, gardenia, and laurel are clean, elegant, and focused notes. Underscored by a chalky minerality, its glassy nature is modern and sleek.
A blend of the Rochioli’s five estate vineyards, this 15-month French oak-aged Pinot Noir exhibits passion, poise, and opulence. The liquid caresses the palate with salted pomegranate, orange peel, and cherries soaked in baking spices. Juicy from start to its silky finish.
Perfumed with gooseberry and papaya. A flashy Sauv Blanc with body weight and modern style. Pineapple and lemon chiffon clean the palate, balanced by racy acidity and a fresh, mineral-driven finish.
The winery’s first Sauv Blanc from Alexander Valley is a glistening beauty. Aged in stainless steel, 40% French oak, and one percent in a small tank that Winemaker Greg Morthole refers to as a “sideways concrete egg.”
The enhancement of a split of six percent Viognier and Semillon adds volume and aromatics, and the Sauvignon Musqué clone only intensifies the exotic nature of this complex white. Lemon sorbet and salinity whisper on first sip. Honeysuckle develops mid-way, lengthening the well-rounded palate feel. A squeeze of white grapefruit and ripe melon captivate on the finish. Sancerre-like with a dollop of California sun.
Vivacious acidity ignites notes of red cherry, Italian herbs, and dry, plum skin tannins. Mid-palate notes of rose petals, sweet tobacco, and undertones of red tea offer a savory, old-world style on the finish.
Plush texture, with a creamy base of boysenberry liqueur, black cherry sweet tobacco, and a dusting of cocoa. Statuesque and graceful, with notes of graphite and crushed berry cedar on the refined, savory finish.