Next in my tasting series from Alexander Valley Vineyard is this gem.  45% Cab Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Merlot makes this a Meritage in anyone’s books.  How I love Cab Franc and more importantly how it melds into the Bordeaux style blend !  This was one bottle I was looking forward to.

Dark purple with a nose of black currant, eucalyptus, wood shavings and pencil lead. On the palate is a vibrant, somewhat tannic attack of currants, black berries and more  graphite. Very young wine with a good cellaring potential. 89 points with a drinking window of 2016-2022. (Or you could run it through a Vinturi and pair it with a ribeye!)  I paid $24 at the winery and give it 3 stars.  Salut….

I bought this one on ratings and write-ups, having never heard of it before.  It started out with plums and a woody note on the nose with an interesting initial attack that was slightly sour.  I noticed a tremendous acidity, perhaps too much??  The flavors that I came across on the first pass were red currants and raspberry.  The wine is silky with deep, smooth tannins.  Later on I noticed blueberry on the back end with some coffee.  This wine is very juicy, related to the acidity perhaps.  It was a little sharp when first opened but seemed to mellow out after some air time.  I’m not a huge fan of this wine but I think it is serviceable.  I have seen up to 92 points from critics on this one, I am not sure I agree- giving it 88 instead.  I paid $18 and therefore award it 3 stars.  Salut….