Souverain

Vineyards & Vintage

The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced from several well known vineyards along hillsides and benchlands throughout the Alexander Valley, including our 120-year-old Alexander Valley estate. Vineyards located on an inland expanse of the Russian River benefit from early evening breezes that cool the valley’s warm afternoons. The moderated warm climate, as well as the volcanic and alluvial soils of the valley, allows the grapes to ripen evenly and retain their balanced acidity.

2006 was a solid vintage in Alexander Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon – a finesse vintage with good density of fruit but softer, more mature tannins. Physiological ripeness happened at slightly lower sugars than in past years, providing a sense of balance that should serve this wine well.

Winemaking

As has become tradition, Winemaker Ed Killian keeps each varietal and vineyard lot separate from harvest to barrel to final blend, enabling him to develop a wine that reflects its origin. Once the fruit was picked at full maturity, the fruit was fermented for 10 to 14 days for complete extraction of the dark color and rich flavors. Ed gently pressed each lot, and then racked and aged the wine in oak barrels for 19 months before blending and bottling. The 2006 vintage uses approximately 75 percent American oak together with French and Hungarian oak for added complexity. Ed keeps a close watch on each lot throughout the aging process to help determine which wines will make up the final blend.

Winemaker's Comments

This classic Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers rich, dark fruit aromas that lead to flavors of black cherry, black plum, anise and chocolate. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon creates a wonderful density and concentration to this wine along with well-structured tannins. On the palate, hints of brown baking spice meld with the dark fruit and polished tannins. The finish is long with hints of sweet fruit. This Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful introduction to Alexander Valley.

Wine Advocate :: Robert M. Parker, Jr. :: February 28, 2010
89 POINTS ! The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley is another very good value. Ripe black currant, herb, and spice box aromas are followed by a medium-bodied, attractive, fruity Cabernet with good texture, depth, and richness, and no hard edges. It should drink nicely for 7-8 years.