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2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
Description
Winemaking Notes
This powerful Cabernet Sauvignon from the hillsides of Alexander Valley has aromas of lush, red plum and dark berries that dominate the glass, while hints of cassis and milk chocolate play in the background. The dried fig and chewy tannins give this wine a strong backbone, while the 24 months of barrel aging have softened this bold wine just enough to enjoy now with a cheese and charcuterie board, filet mignon with grilled vegetables or a dark chocolate mousse. Drink over the next 5 to 7 years.
History
Rodney Strong recognized in the late 1960s that Sonoma County's Alexander Valley was an exceptional area for heat loving Cabernet Sauvignon. He planted our first Cabernet vineyard in 1971, Alexander's Crown, on a small hill in Jimtown, and the reputation for fine Sonoma County Cabernet has never looked back. Today we have three exceptional Cabernet vineyards, from Jimtown to Geyserville, and all the way north to Cloverdale, planted in the well-drained alluvial, volcanic, and uplifted shale/sandstone soils that make Sonoma County an ideal place for this noble grape.
The Vineyards
2020 was notable for being another dry growing season, with only a few showers throughout spring, milder weather through most of the year and lower yields at harvest. The dry season and judicious irrigation resulted in smaller leaves and canopy area, allowing the fruit to acclimate to greater light exposure than is typical. The fruit benefitted from the usual warm afternoons and cool ocean breezes we come to expect with this AVA. With everything in balance, we harvested September 4 - October 1, 2020
