The 2013 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is garnet in colour with a ruby red rim, it has an alluring nose of blackberry bramble, baking spices and black olive. Aromas of vanilla, cassis and sage fill the glass, revealing the influence of American oak barrel aging. On the palate, notes of raspberry are complemented with lingering acidity and a finish of dusty, silky tannins. Given proper cellaring, this wine will provide drinking pleasure through 2036.

The Alexander Valley saw a relatively dry winter leading up to the 2013 growing season, with barely 20 inches of rain recorded. Though the season began early, significant frost never materialized. Summer was mild, with only a few days reaching triple digits. We harvested on a steady progression through the region, as neither heat spells nor threats of rain forced our hand. This allowed our winemaking team to pick when ripeness was in perfect balance. Drought conditions, coupled with low soil moisture and moderate temperatures during the summer and fall, created a vintage that will be remembered for structured and concentrated wines. Harvest in Alexander Valley took almost exactly a month, starting on September 11th and concluding on October 10th.