Wine Tasting Hints:

1. Look at the color
2. Smell the aroma (the nose)
3. Taste (look for flavors, degree of tannins, acidity and body)
4. The Finish (what's the aftertaste like)

Tasting Notes  -  Chateau Souverain, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Alexander Valley is located in northeastern Sonoma County, about 30 miles from the Pacific. The Russian River is the valley's defining feature. The two most popular grape varieties grown in the valley are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, due to the combination coastal/inland climate and alluvial topsoil from both sedimentary and volcanic origins.

The 1997 vintage was one of the best of the decade in this region. The longer hang time of the grapes that year increased the ripe flavors in this fine wine. This wine was aged in American oak barrels for 20 months before bottling. The winemaker added 3% Cabernet Franc to the mix.

Notice the dark color and rich plum, cherry, vanilla and chocolate on the nose. Intense concentration of flavor greets your palate with black cherry and coffee and light notes of dried herb and vanilla. A big and full bodied wine.  The winemaker adds: "it has a round, supple mouth... subtle notes of bittersweet chocolate... it will gain additional complexity and suppleness through bottle-aging."

This varietal is typically described as having flavors of black currants, cassis, green peppers, chocolate and spice. Some of these are missing in the notes above. Do you think we should add anything to our notes?