SIMI. SYNONYMOUS WITH SONOMA COUNTY:
When Giuseppe and Pietro Simi immigrated to Northern California, they settled in Sonoma County because it reminded them of their native Tuscany—where wine had been made for centuries. In 1876, they founded SIMI in Healdsburg, California. Today we’re still making wine from diverse Sonoma County grapes in the same stone cellar built in 1890.
VINEYARDS:
Alexander Valley was shaped by dramatic geological activity—from an ancient landslide that changed the course of the Russian River to earthquake upheavals that redistributed entire mountaintops. The region’s incredible diversity of soil types and microclimates produces wines with velvety textures and bright, luscious flavors. SIMI Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the best of Alexander Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon grapes tend to offer blackberry and mulberry fruit, soft, ripe tannins, and a bit of spice for added interest.
VINTAGE 2018:
2018 had a long, cool growing season, starting with winter rains and leading to a late bud break. Flowering in mid-June occurred during a stable window, contributing to uniform fruit set. Ideal weather throughout summer, with only two short heat spells, helped the fruit ripen slowly, keeping acidity high and allowing flavors to fully develop and intensify. Hand-harvesting the fruit for this wine began on October 11 and finished on November 2. Brix at harvest ranged from a most desirable 24 to 26 degrees.
WINEMAKING:
We turned to fruit from noted Alexander Valley vineyards, including Belle Terre, Alden, Oak Ridge, Angeli, and Landslide, to form the backbone of this wine. We blended 100% Cabernet Sauvignon fruit to create a rich, aromatic wine with layers of depth and complexity. During fermentation, the developing wine remained on the skins for 21 days to increase extraction and color. All of the wine underwent a secondary, malolactic fermentation and was then aged in French, American, and hybrid oak barrels (24% new) for 22 months.
WINEMAKER NOTES:
SIMI 2018 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is deep red in color with a vibrant ruby edge. Earthy cassis and high-tone red fruit frame and add depth to notes of dark cherry and blackberry, lending generosity, layers, and aromatic complexity. Black fruit dominates the entry. Blackberry and dark plum is followed by black licorice and cocoa with a fleshy mid-palate. Succulent acidity and sturdy tannins lead the finish. Our Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant, juicy, and incredibly food friendly and not a puzzle to pair with. It will bring out the best in grilled steaks with roasted mushrooms, Moroccan spiced lamb, and braised duck breast with carrot purée.
- VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- AGING: 22 months in 100% French, American, and hybrid oak barrels; 24% new
- TOTAL ACIDITY: 6.2 g/L
- pH: 3.74
- RESIDUAL SUGAR: 0.4 g/L
- ALCOHOL: 14.5%