Maker Notes
Blending & Aging
Our 2019 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.9% Merlot and 0.4% Petit Verdot. After blending in early 2020, our 2019 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was transferred to American oak barrels from our cooperage, The Oak, where it aged for 24 months. Blending before barrel aging—a signature of our winemaking style—allows blends to be based on the inherent qualities of their vineyard components before oak influence. Vintage to vintage, the resulting Cabernets emerge integrated and ready to drink upon release.
Red cherry, blackberry and vanilla
Vintage Description
The winter rains started in late December, and by the time the vines awoke from their slumber, the soil profile was recharged, the lakes and reservoirs had filled up again, and the vintage was off to a healthy start. Lower-than-average spring temperatures resulted in a slightly delayed budbreak, and we received a welcome and unexpected rain event just before bloom. It did not interfere with fruit set and prepared the vines for the warm summer conditions. In 2019, the challenge was in the vineyard—to stay on top of prolific plant growth and to thin some of the crop later in the season for optimal vine balance. Summer and fall temperatures averaged a balmy 85°F with only three brief heat events during fruit ripening that brought in the usual fog pattern that makes the Alexander Valley growing region so special. Harvest commenced on September 11 and proceeded at a busy-but-steady pace for five weeks to finish on October 18. Crops were generous, and the quality we saw in the fermentations augured another outstanding vintage with layers of complexity, great depth and elegant tannins.
