Alexander Valley

Cabernet D ~ Alexander Valley

When my dad and grandfather finished planting our Alexander Valley vineyard in 1973, they thought they would never need to plant another vine on that property. Thirty years and one ferocious aphid (phylloxera) later, we were back at it, replanting nearly half of the property. It turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to us. Of the 100 acres of vineyard, 60 had to be replanted to due phylloxera, and though it was painful at the time, it will be these vineyards that carry our wines into the next generation. 

Since that vineyard was first planted, much has been learned about growing the correct varietals in the right location. Our Cabernet Block D is living proof. This block of prime Alexander Valley bench was previously planted to Chardonnay. It would be hard to argue that it is not a premiere location to grow world class cabernet, and that is what we are now doing. Replanted in 2002, we took our first crop of fruit off of it in 2006. Using 101-14 rootstock with the classic Bordeaux clone 337, this vineyard is already producing amazing cabernet in its infancy. The gravelly loam soil ensures low vigor and low yields. The wine exhibits the classic chalky tannins and dusty characteristics that have made Alexander Valley renowned for cabernet. This block is the perfect complement to our Dry Creek, Rockpile, and Wild Iris vineyards, forming our Sonoma County Cabernet.

WINES FROM THIS VINEYARD:

Sonoma County Cabernet

Dobbins Vineyard ~ Alexander Valley

One of our more recent land acquisitions, this property was purchased 20 years ago. It is adjacent to our original Alexander Valley property, and as good, if not better for growing Chardonnay. All 20 acres of this Alexander Valley bench are planted to Chardonnay. We learned from our previous mistakes, and planted the best clones on the correct rootstock, with the optimal sun exposure the first time around. The close proximity to Sausal creek and Russian river tell you why soil is full of river rock and the Wente clone grows perfectly here. This growing environment lends itself to more of a white Burgundy versus a traditional California chardonnay style: crisp acidity, wet stone and mineral, with green apple and pear fruits. 

WINES FROM THIS VINEYARD:

Alexander Valley Chardonnay