A blend of 34% Shiraz, 31% Marselan, 18% Petite Sirah, with some Alicante Bouschet and Carignan shows how well Mediterranean varieties perform in this terroir. Bright raspberry and plum weaves through wet stone, garrigue, and hibiscus tea. Silky tannins offer a textural ideal, with exotic herbs and dried violets glistening, thanks to striking acidity.
A French-oak aged blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 23% Petit Verdot, and 16% Cabernet Franc. Notes of stony soil, cherry liqueur, mocha, dried roses, and sweet basil gain ground in this classy red. Acidity ramps up mid-point, gracing the palate with a fresh take on wild berries, cedar, and red tea leaves.
This blend of 95% Chardonnay and 5% Sauvignon Blanc is fermented and aged in 80% new French oak barrels. It certainly lives up to its name, its nobility adorning notes of toasted almond, lemon blossom, and butterscotch. Rich, with a leesy, lush finish.
Verging on full-bodied and bolstered by one-third of the juice having been aged in new French oak, this shows sweet black cherry and blackberry fruit with well-integrated wood notes.
Based on fruit sourced in equal portions from Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties, this is very solid Pinot for $13. Medium-bodied but neither over-ripe nor juked up with excess oak, it shows clear Pinot character with appealing delicacy but still plenty of flavor and structure.
Rather restrained for a Sauvignon Blanc based on the first impression it leaves, this reserved character becomes ever more appealing with multiple sips over time. The bouquet is virtually free of any herbal or “grassy” notes, with white melon and subtle tropical fruit aromas that predominate in the flavors as well.
Satin-lined tannins are what we love about many Alexander Valley Cabs triumph of texture. Graphite, cigar leaf, and black currant stream across the palate with approachable charm.
The wine’s intense persona encourages notes of vanilla marshmallow, lemon cookies, and banana nut bread. A churn of buttery oak is managed by a bright acid structure, finishing clean and crisp.