Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018. Sebastiani

The Alexander Valley is located north of the town of Healdsburg in Sonoma County. It is one of the warmer AVAs in the region making it the perfect spot for red Bordeaux grapes. e fruit for our 2018 vintage comes from two vineyards in the north eastern Alexander Valley; Vimark and Lyon Vineyards. ese vineyard sites are comprised of well-drained, alluvial soils located next to the Russian River which adds concentration and distinct minerality.

The 2018 growing season was one of the mildest and smoothest in recent memory. Mild spring weather led to good fruit set in most varietals and moderate weather throughout the year made for ideal growing conditions. ere were no major heat spikes, which gave us longer hang-time and great ripening on the vine. While a fairly long harvest, the 2018 crop delivered fruit with complex flavors and excellent quality.

After a three-day cold soak, we crushed and fermented the grapes at relatively warm temperatures in stainless steel tanks. After pressing, each lot was blended or lightly egg-white fined to remove green tannins. e wine was aged for 15 months, 30% in new French oak barrels, with remaining in one-year-old French oak barrels.

This 2018 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with rich aromas of Creme de Cassis and bergamot tea with hints of vanilla wafer and cocoa powder. e palate is rich and concentrated with flavors of blackberry fruit, Cabernet spice and dried herbs. Bright berry fruit and a subtle sweetness from the oak linger on the finish. The tannins are ripe and round; affording early drinkability as well as great aging potential.

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