Lot 558
2023 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 12-bottle case

***RECENTLY BOTTLED, SHIPPING BEGINS ASAP***

Nine months have passed since we last scored a Cabernet from Alexander Valley, but we’re resetting the clock today with a big comeback! Our first from the epic 2023 vintage has arrived, and at a fabulous value to boot: over 70% OFF!

For the thousands of readers among you who have joined us since our last offering and are new to the appellation, here’s the scoop: Alexander Valley offers some of the best Cabernet quality to price ratio in the country, and without the high premiums of the next valley over. Benchlands of well-draining, alluvial soils create immensely concentrated grapes, and one of the largest diurnal swings across the entire North Coast allows them to fully ripen and retain freshness and acidity. It’s a Cab growing paradise, and why blue-chip estates from all over source from this AVA.

Lot 588 is a gorgeous Left Bank-inspired wine from a multigenerational family-owned estate. Exact percentages of the final blend would give away the source, but it’s primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, enhanced with a couple of carefully selected Bordelaise varietals. Crafted from estate vineyards by a winemaker whose experience working in the AVA is rivaled by few, this wine is a signature offering that’s equally appropriate at a posh steakhouse or as an evening sipper in the comfort of home. Formerly allocated to the export market, recent global developments opened an opportunity for us, and we were quick to act – sold direct from the winery for $60/bottle under the original label, it’s yours today at a head-spinning price: $16 a bottle. For top-shelf Alexander Valley Cabernet?! It’s easily a contender for value Cab of the year.

$199/case DELIVERED, $16+/bottle to your door!

A cold, wet winter delayed the start of the 2023 growing season, and it stayed cool. Coastal air and fog, channeled up the Russian River, were in full force. The grapes were afforded a few extra weeks of crucial hang time, achieving full phenolic maturity while maintaining critical acidity. Grapes this good make the winemaker’s job easy, but full expertise is on display nonetheless – after an extended maceration and gentle fermentation, the separate lots were settled into 100% French oak (40% new) for 18 months before final blending.

A deep, expressive nose leads with blackberries and currants, swirling over a strong mineral spine layered with chocolate, wet gravel, and eucalyptus. On the palate, refined red-to-black fruit is framed by new, soft leather and earth amidst medium+ acidity. Velvety tannins lend grace to the wine’s architecture, while a barrel-kissed long finish reveals baking spice, leather, additional black fruit, and vanilla bean umami.