Tasting Notes:
Striking in appearance, with its dark ruby, violet-edged color, the 2011 Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon is immediately seductive. Very focused macerated black cherry, graphite, vanilla and forest floor aromas balance each other nicely. Round, opulent, sweet, ripe tannins surface quickly on the palate, where flavors of ripe blackberry and espresso bean are present throughout the lingering finish. This wine will continue to age gracefully for a minimum of 12 – 15 years. Try pairing with tournedos de boeuf, a prime fillet of beef, or your favorite triple-cream cheese.
Vineyard Notes:
Three very unique vineyard sites provided the Cabernet Sauvignon for this wine: McClatchy, near the summit of Howell Mountain, Becksto er’s Missouri-Hopper in Oakville, and Sleeping Lady in Yountville. The Merlot was sourced from a small block located at the foot of the Mayacamas range in Oakville.
Winemaker Notes:
2011 was a very cool vintage, and one that called for prudent, conservative farming. We are fortunate to work exclusively with growers willing to farm in a manner that allows for full phenolic ripeness to be achieved, an especially critical factor in 2011. By working closely with our vineyard partners, we were able to ripen our Cabernet prior to the onset of an early wet winter in mid-October. Between heavy March rains, a cool spring and a warm mid-summer period, 2011 turned out to be a vintage with conditions quite favorable to our red Bordeaux varieties. - Winery
COMPOSITION:
96% Cabernet Sauvignon
4% Merlot
BARREL REGIME: 18 months in 100% French oak barrels (40% new) 28 days maceration on skins
Alcohol: 14.8%
** Only 1 in Stock **
Well done, if shy on extra facets, this presents a straightforward mix of dried berry that quickly turns tannic, with gravelly earth, cedar, tobacco and sage notes, ending with complex yet subtle nuances. Drink now through 2025. 1,184 cases made. –JL - Wine Spectator Magazine 88 Points
