Product Description
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Alexander Valley Vineyard, Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, America
Producer Profile
After purchasing the historic Cyrus Alexander homestead, Harry and Maggie Wetzel strived to create a thriving agricultural lifestyle on the property. They raised their children along with their vines in Alexander Valley, providing inspiration and encouragement as they developed the estate together.
Decades later, the fourth generation of their family is growing up amongst vineyards and next door to the working winery that is known around the world as “AVV”. You could call it a family tradition. The Wetzel Family would be inclined to agree.
Winemaker Kevin Hall is constantly adapting to the rhythms of nature, the readiness of the vineyards and the evolution of the individual wines. While their vineyards provide the sense of terroir and consistent character of fruit, the winemaking staff provide the invaluable experience. Their work is constant and crucial; topping up the barrels to minimize air contact as they develop, monitoring and measuring the young wines as they progress, and tasting, tasting, tasting. Decades of experience tying vineyard and winery together give AVV total control of wine production, resulting in rich, complex wines that showcase a truly robust sense of place.
Viticulture
In the late 1960s AVV bottled a few cases of Cabernet Sauvignon for friends and family. That homemade wine became the inspiration for their estate winery, Alexander Valley Vineyards. Decades later both the winery and this iconic valley are known as the home of world class Cabernet Sauvignon.
2022 kicked off with a lack of rain from the ongoing drought, followed by a warm spring, and early summer. Relatively mild summer temperatures allowed the grapes to mature evenly, although yields were a bit lighter than in prior vintages. Much like 2021, harvest began on September 7th, but ended on October 20th, 2022’s longer hang time allowed the fruit to develop rich flavours while maintaining balanced acidity.
Winemaking
The wine was aged for 14 months in 25% new French and American oak barrels.
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is easily recognisable as classic Alexander Valley with medium body, bright berry flavours and smooth, structured tannins. Winemaker Kevin Hall blended in Malbec and Petit Verdot for colour, Merlot for a hint of structured dark fruit, and a touch of Cabernet Franc for aromatics.
Tasting Note
This is an elegant wine with earthy aromas of cassis, anise, chocolate and plum. In the glass there are bright flavours of cherry, cassis, chocolate and plum. The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a structured wine with firm tannins and a chewy finish that evolves with each sip.
Goes well with
The 2022 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a lush, full-bodied wine boasting dark fruit flavors (blackberry, cassis), velvety tannins, and subtle hints of oak and dark chocolate. It pairs beautifully with rich, savoury dishes like grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb, duck, and gourmet cheeseburgers.
Cellaring
5 – 8 years with careful cellaring.
Don’t just take our word for it…
“A fresh, mineral-driven nose showing notes of red currants, tea leaves, cassis and red peppercorns. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins, bright acidity and lingering notes of cherries, pine, tomatoes and spices. Drink or hold.” 92 points – James Suckling
Gold Medal – San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo 2025 International Wine Competition
Gold Medal – Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition
“This wine gets off to a toasty start, with nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of white pepper weaving through strawberry jam. Energetic and bright, it delivers plush tannins and a finish of cherry cola. Winemaker Kevin Hall blended in Malbec and Petit Verdot for colour, Merlot to add a hint of structured fruit, and a touch of Cabernet Franc for aromatics.” 93 POINTS —Meridith May, The Somm Journal.
Features
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 95%, Malbec 2.5%, Petit Verdot 2%, Merlot 0.3%, Cabernet Franc 0.2%
Colour: Red
ABV: 14%
Closure: Natural cork
Style: Still
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: America
Region: Sonoma, California
Vintage: 2022
