Simoneau Vineyards Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Winemaker's Notes:

There are more than 200 growers in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley, but there’s really only one you need to know: Simoneau Vineyards. The 2006 Simoneau Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon features classic Alexander Valley fruit, the tiny, deeply colored berries that gain complexity in valley soils of gravelly clay loam in alluvial fans that spread outward from the Mayacamas Range. The Russian River runs through the valley, casting moderating maritime influences that extend the growing season, bringing well-ripened complexity and distinctive layers of flavors to Alexander Valley fruit. This coveted vineyard on the benchlands, first planted in the mid-1970’s, has been a labor of love for Tom & Brenda Simoneau. Notable wineries such as Silver Oak, Simi, Rodney Strong and Clos du Bois have all featured Simoneau fruit in their reserve level Cabs, and most of the Harvest now finds a home with the Roth Winery. But not quite all. Select lots carefully chosen each Fall based on more than two decades of hands-on, dust on the boots viticulture, finds a scant 14 barrels held back each vintage by the proprietors for a select few restaurants, knowledgeable wine purveyors, friends and family. The 2006 vintage expression is deeply, royally rich in a deep purple color, with arresting aromas of black cherry, boysenberry and cassis. A full, medium-to-full mouthfeel brings flavors of chocolate, blackberry and black cherry, finishing with moderate tannins and toasty but not overpowering oak. This is a collectible Cabernet Sauvignon, but only if you act now, before this limited release is spoken for. And if you do acquire your rightful share, remember: life’s many treasures are meant to be enjoyed, not just contemplated. The Vitals: 85 % Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Alexander Valley co-fermented field blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec Clones: To Kalon, Niebaum, 337, 15, 7 on rootstocks 101-14, 3309, 44-53 Harvested September 21, 2006 at average 24~25° Brix 100% French Oak, 50% new, balance no more than twice-used Aged 19 months, rack & return Coopers: Sylvain, Berger, Taransaud, Fouqet to enhance complexity Alcohol 14%  ph 3.76  TA .60gms/100ml  RS dry Tom & Brenda Lee Simoneau, growers & winemakers Margaret Davenport & David Herzberg, consulting winemakers $50, limited release of 14 barrels, 334 cases, 750 ml