Strong Nose of black fruits, light oak, vanilla, licorice, chocolates and spices.
Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity.
Very dry on the palate with mild complexity.
Showing black plums, black currants, coffee, oak, cloves, light earth, herbs, licorice, spices, tobacco leaf, dark chocolates and peppercorn.
Medium length on the finish with medium tannins and tangy raspberries.
This 8 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley is still drinking nicely, but lost some of the fruits by now. Past its prime, but still enjoyable.
I've had a few vintages of this wine and it is very consistent.
A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Aged in Oak barrels for 14 months.
14.2% alcohol by volume.
90 points.
$25 (current vintage).
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PnP, with a rack of lamb. distinctive cab nose, dark ruby red, dark fruits, slight acidity, tannins not noticeable, alcohol not listed on the label?, but noticeable in the back of the throat. The drinking window is open and will be for years to come. Oh, BTW..great QPR as usual
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Bordeaux-style blend with both sweet and savory notes. Paired well with quail in fig sauce. Our 375ml bottle was definitely ready to drink but not over the hill.
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Solid middle value Cabernet with good texture and varietal character. Nothing delicate but no sharp edges either. I would not bother aging this beyond 2020. Also noted a hint of mega red in the finish.
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Opened 3 hours prior to dinner, took a small pour and slow oxed. I put it in the fridge for 30 minutes too as it had warmed in the kitchen and I do not like warm temp reds. Semi translucent garnet red color. At times this reminds me Bandol with its savory, blackberry and garrique notes buts still mostly taste like the BDX blend it is. Balanced with blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate and mineral. Not heavy like too many CA Cabs and good energy. 14% alc. Solid value at $16.5 and more character than most wines at that price point. Great burger wine.
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Compared to historical Napa cabs this holds its own dollar for dollar. Opened the 2015 young and it was much lighter than the likes of silver oak and caymus. Fruity, acidic, firm tannins and oak. Maybe some vanilla. A lot of what’s to be expected of a good California cab at a great value. Let it sit in the glass to open up at the least.
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Purple wine, but not entirely opaque. Black fruit, sandalwood, baking spices, a hint of vanilla on the nose. Wine is a bit young still with acidity. Medium body. Brighter fruit on the palate. Balanced with tighter tannins. Decent finish.
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Uncomplicated, medium light red to be had with some red meat. Medium bodied, pairing red fruit with light hints of vanilla and tobacco. Some unfinished tannins to be sorted over the coming 2 to 3 years.
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Old Beaulieu Vineyard Wines (Cotroneo's, White Bear Lake, MN): Very dark red/purple color. PNP, drank 1 glass blind over 20 minutes. The nose shows green pepper, some subtle earth, oak, dark fruits, graphite, some oak. The palate is more medium plus bodied, nice texture, black currants, good mouth feel, graphite and medium length. This is a nice wine, not overly complex, but still has a good bit going on. Called Sonoma cab. I always like AVV and find them a very solid value and reliable go to on restaurant lists. 88+pts.
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Decent and enjoyable wine. Typical new world but with some additional character. I thought I got some coconut on the nose, which I found very interesting, but I'm not confident in that. It may just be mistaking some of the oak as coconut. It was interesting enough to consider buying volume as a house wine, but it wasn't compelling enough for me to do so @ $19.99 at Kroger without discount.
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Classic sonoma cab nose. Blueberry, cocoa powder, toasted coconut, unlit cigar. Palate has silky fruit, tangy/tart acid. Oddly drying on the finish. Nose is better than palate.
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Well, I normally pick up a comparably priced Bordeaux half bottle (~$10) to go with my lunchtime Five Guys burger from next door, but given the terrible wildfires currently ripping through Napa and Sonoma, I decided to support the area in a small way that I could.
In spite of only being a '15, this is drinking just fine now right off the pop. Purplish ruby in color. Aromas of dusty dark red and black fruits, licorice, earth, and smoke and scorched earth (not being a smartass). Medium body, medium to medium(+) acidity, good length here, and flavors of cassis, plum, tart black raspberry, a bright citrus note of lemon and orange peel, and a drying, earthy, leaf like/black tea component that lingers. There's a light tannic grip providing some structure, but it is not obstructing enjoyment, and I'd probably drink this over the next few years (again, mine is from 375mL), though it could surprise. Perfect with a burger; would work well with steak, beef and hearty winter stews, and the like. Nice job, AVV, and best of luck through this trying time. Our hearts go out to Napa & Sonoma. <3
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It is hard not to enjoy the unadulterated hedonism of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley appellation. This newly-released offering from Alexander Valley Vineyards (a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot) does not disappoint. Deep ruby, nicely aromatic and packed with bright red fruit, it adds nuances of eucalyptus, espresso and pomegranate. Medium-bodied, fresh, softly tannic and with nicely integrated alcohol (listed as 14.0%), it stays solid in the middle, adds a complementary wisp of oak and finishes with impressive length. This one is easy on the pocketbook and long on flavor. Enjoy it over the next five years. Drink now-2022.
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Day 2 and shows some oak today. Rustic not too woody, and just a hint of vanilla that works so good with the edgier style. Consistently a solid Cab, not overdone and some really nice people to boot.
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Double decanted about an hour before serving. Intense nose of cassis, touch of spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom) and a touch of wood. Moderate, slightly drying tannins in the mid-range and reasonable finish. This is a very good wine for the price ($18) and Alexander Valley Vineyards is doing an excellent job lately.
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pretty solid for a wine that would retail for about 25. Nice rich aromatics, dark berries, smoky oak, violets, Cassis, vanilla, cigar. Not overly complex, but not a simpleton either. aromatics develop nicely while opening up for app 15 minutes. stays true to form. Medium richness in the pallet, nice and round, firm tannin, not overly done on the oak. Fruit is forward. plump and ripe. Again dark berry, cassis, smoke, dried tobacco, violets all on pallet. finish is medium in lenght.. 20+ seconds. no bitterness or negative flavors.. should age fine for 7 yrs maybe longer.. I dont believe it will pick up any complexity with age, not sure if age will benefit this wine.. drinks well now.. maybe a year or so might improve..
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9/25/2023 - Odedis.Wine.reviews Likes this wine: 90 Points
Purple in color with a short purple rim.
Strong Nose of black fruits, light oak, vanilla, licorice, chocolates and spices.
Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity.
Very dry on the palate with mild complexity.
Showing black plums, black currants, coffee, oak, cloves, light earth, herbs, licorice, spices, tobacco leaf, dark chocolates and peppercorn.
Medium length on the finish with medium tannins and tangy raspberries.
This 8 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley is still drinking nicely, but lost some of the fruits by now. Past its prime, but still enjoyable.
I've had a few vintages of this wine and it is very consistent.
A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Aged in Oak barrels for 14 months.
14.2% alcohol by volume.
90 points.
$25 (current vintage).
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10/31/2021 - chapleff Likes this wine: 89 Points
Better
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7/19/2021 - jpkc Likes this wine: 91 Points
PnP, with a rack of lamb. distinctive cab nose, dark ruby red, dark fruits, slight acidity, tannins not noticeable, alcohol not listed on the label?, but noticeable in the back of the throat. The drinking window is open and will be for years to come. Oh, BTW..great QPR as usual
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4/1/2021 - gabrowns Likes this wine: 88 Points
Bordeaux-style blend with both sweet and savory notes. Paired well with quail in fig sauce. Our 375ml bottle was definitely ready to drink but not over the hill.
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3/24/2021 - Marshmallowman wrote: 88 Points
Didn’t strike us as a typical “Alexander Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon”
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6/3/2020 - ejmwine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice bottle, drinking well.
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5/14/2020 - Marshmallowman Likes this wine: 91 Points
Seems to be in a very good place right now
Good everyday Cabernet Sauvignon!
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10/14/2019 - Marshmallowman wrote:
Blackberry with spice and cocoa with medium body ... very good wine for the money!
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10/14/2019 - Marshmallowman Likes this wine: 90 Points
Delicious! 😋
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1/25/2019 - Bro-rolo Likes this wine: 90 Points
you think the Somm 3 panel could tell the difference between this and the Sonoma Silver Oak?? lol
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1/12/2019 - Yhopps Likes this wine: 87 Points
Good everyday red
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12/25/2018 - Woodbridge Brad Likes this wine: 88 Points
Solid middle value Cabernet with good texture and varietal character. Nothing delicate but no sharp edges either. I would not bother aging this beyond 2020. Also noted a hint of mega red in the finish.
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12/23/2018 - josephbuoni Likes this wine: 90 Points
Really good $18 bottle, will buy specific bottle again (better than other bottles I’ve had from AV)
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12/22/2018 - jgnd Likes this wine: 89 Points
Solid value Alexander Valley Cab on many wine lists, including the one tonight. Enjoyable.
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5/17/2018 - chablis28 wrote: 90 Points
Opened 3 hours prior to dinner, took a small pour and slow oxed. I put it in the fridge for 30 minutes too as it had warmed in the kitchen and I do not like warm temp reds. Semi translucent garnet red color. At times this reminds me Bandol with its savory, blackberry and garrique notes buts still mostly taste like the BDX blend it is. Balanced with blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate and mineral. Not heavy like too many CA Cabs and good energy. 14% alc. Solid value at $16.5 and more character than most wines at that price point. Great burger wine.
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5/3/2018 - Amishdesai93 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Compared to historical Napa cabs this holds its own dollar for dollar. Opened the 2015 young and it was much lighter than the likes of silver oak and caymus. Fruity, acidic, firm tannins and oak. Maybe some vanilla. A lot of what’s to be expected of a good California cab at a great value. Let it sit in the glass to open up at the least.
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5/3/2018 - Grantmanon Likes this wine: 90 Points
Purple wine, but not entirely opaque. Black fruit, sandalwood, baking spices, a hint of vanilla on the nose. Wine is a bit young still with acidity. Medium body. Brighter fruit on the palate. Balanced with tighter tannins. Decent finish.
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4/6/2018 - CarpeDiem! wrote: 88 Points
Uncomplicated, medium light red to be had with some red meat. Medium bodied, pairing red fruit with light hints of vanilla and tobacco. Some unfinished tannins to be sorted over the coming 2 to 3 years.
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3/13/2018 - rocknroller wrote: 88 Points
Old Beaulieu Vineyard Wines (Cotroneo's, White Bear Lake, MN): Very dark red/purple color. PNP, drank 1 glass blind over 20 minutes. The nose shows green pepper, some subtle earth, oak, dark fruits, graphite, some oak. The palate is more medium plus bodied, nice texture, black currants, good mouth feel, graphite and medium length. This is a nice wine, not overly complex, but still has a good bit going on. Called Sonoma cab. I always like AVV and find them a very solid value and reliable go to on restaurant lists. 88+pts.
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3/9/2018 - BuffaloDocT Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice smooth- nice oak added. Very mellow and well balanced.
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1/25/2018 - Bro-rolo Likes this wine: 89 Points
In my opinion this is the best <$20 Cali cab table wine option out there...and I've tried them all <exuding confidence>
-Bro-rolo
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1/6/2018 - lebo9968@gmail.com Likes this wine: 88 Points
Decent and enjoyable wine. Typical new world but with some additional character. I thought I got some coconut on the nose, which I found very interesting, but I'm not confident in that. It may just be mistaking some of the oak as coconut. It was interesting enough to consider buying volume as a house wine, but it wasn't compelling enough for me to do so @ $19.99 at Kroger without discount.
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11/2/2017 - pdev wrote: 85 Points
Classic sonoma cab nose. Blueberry, cocoa powder, toasted coconut, unlit cigar. Palate has silky fruit, tangy/tart acid. Oddly drying on the finish.
Nose is better than palate.
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10/14/2017 - denisontb Likes this wine: 88 Points
Decent Cabernet. Nice flavor profile, a bit simple. Good daily drinker.
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10/12/2017 - studleytrey wrote: 89 Points
Well, I normally pick up a comparably priced Bordeaux half bottle (~$10) to go with my lunchtime Five Guys burger from next door, but given the terrible wildfires currently ripping through Napa and Sonoma, I decided to support the area in a small way that I could.
In spite of only being a '15, this is drinking just fine now right off the pop. Purplish ruby in color. Aromas of dusty dark red and black fruits, licorice, earth, and smoke and scorched earth (not being a smartass). Medium body, medium to medium(+) acidity, good length here, and flavors of cassis, plum, tart black raspberry, a bright citrus note of lemon and orange peel, and a drying, earthy, leaf like/black tea component that lingers. There's a light tannic grip providing some structure, but it is not obstructing enjoyment, and I'd probably drink this over the next few years (again, mine is from 375mL), though it could surprise. Perfect with a burger; would work well with steak, beef and hearty winter stews, and the like. Nice job, AVV, and best of luck through this trying time. Our hearts go out to Napa & Sonoma. <3
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10/4/2017 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 89 Points
It is hard not to enjoy the unadulterated hedonism of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley appellation. This newly-released offering from Alexander Valley Vineyards (a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot) does not disappoint. Deep ruby, nicely aromatic and packed with bright red fruit, it adds nuances of eucalyptus, espresso and pomegranate. Medium-bodied, fresh, softly tannic and with nicely integrated alcohol (listed as 14.0%), it stays solid in the middle, adds a complementary wisp of oak and finishes with impressive length. This one is easy on the pocketbook and long on flavor. Enjoy it over the next five years. Drink now-2022.
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8/11/2017 - nzinkgraf wrote:
Day 2 and shows some oak today. Rustic not too woody, and just a hint of vanilla that works so good with the edgier style. Consistently a solid Cab, not overdone and some really nice people to boot.
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8/11/2017 - Ken332 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Double decanted about an hour before serving. Intense nose of cassis, touch of spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom) and a touch of wood. Moderate, slightly drying tannins in the mid-range and reasonable finish. This is a very good wine for the price ($18) and Alexander Valley Vineyards is doing an excellent job lately.
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7/24/2017 - Rikster67 Likes this wine: 89 Points
pretty solid for a wine that would retail for about 25. Nice rich aromatics, dark berries, smoky oak, violets, Cassis, vanilla, cigar. Not overly complex, but not a simpleton either. aromatics develop nicely while opening up for app 15 minutes. stays true to form. Medium richness in the pallet, nice and round, firm tannin, not overly done on the oak. Fruit is forward. plump and ripe. Again dark berry, cassis, smoke, dried tobacco, violets all on pallet. finish is medium in lenght.. 20+ seconds. no bitterness or negative flavors.. should age fine for 7 yrs maybe longer.. I dont believe it will pick up any complexity with age, not sure if age will benefit this wine.. drinks well now.. maybe a year or so might improve..
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6/15/2017 - nickgorski wrote:
From a half bottle, 1hr decant. Medium body, cranberry, graphite, pepper, red fruit, with stiff tannins on the finish. Nice.
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5/26/2017 - nzinkgraf wrote:
Dark fruit aromas. Very crunchy palate, light tannin. Super solid.
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