Alexander Valley,  Cabernet Sauvignon,  California,  Cellar Selection

Cellar Selection

Lancaster 2009 Alexander Cab

Lancaster Estate 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

In 1995, Lancaster Estate debuted following the acquisition of Maacama Creek Winery and its estate vineyards.  Over the next two decades, from their 53 estate acres, micro-farmed in small vineyard blocks, they produced limited release Bordeaux styled wines, each with its own expression.  Their 53 hillside-acres of vineyards are located in the eastern hills of southern Alexander Valley, at the joining together of the Chalk Hill and Knights Valley appellations.  The valley is emerging as a leading location for producing Bordeaux style Cabernet-based blends to rival the finest from the Napa Valley.

Color of this wine is a very deep dark red with aromas of berries and cherries.  This wine is a Bordeaux blend of grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Malbec (7%), Merlot (6%), Cabernet Franc (1%) and Petit Verdot (1%), and aged for 24 months in 100% French Oak.  Tasting this wine was a joy, a burst of rich black fruit tantalized my palate giving way to firm tannins, slightly acidic, adding notes of smoke, leather, oak and spices.  The wine was better after being opened for an hour showing that the wine would benefit from a little more time in the bottle.  The finish was medium in length and enjoyable.  I will lay a few bottles down and check back in a year or so.

Cheers!

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