Stuhlmuller Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, 750ml, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California

Stuhlmuller Vineyards is located at the southern edge of the Alexander Valley, where it converges with Chalk Hill and Russian River Valley appellations. Situated in a location that is part river benchland and part hillside, the vineyard benefits from its alluvial gravel soils and the more rocky soils of the hillside sections. A mixture of open-top (with manual punching-down), and closed-top tanks (where the must was pumped over) were used. The closed-top tanks added to palate texture, while the open-top tanks helped to retain fruit intensity. The wine was racked to 40% new French oak and underwent native malolactic fermentation. Each block was fermented and aged separately for 10 months before blending, with barrel aging for a total of 18 months. “With its layers of crème de cassis, black cherry, olive tapenade, violets and moist earth, there is a lovely classic quality to this Cabernet. On the palate, firm tannins and an inviting freshness frame the dark berry flavors beautifully, with more savory and herbal hints adding nuance and intrigue.” – from the winery