One vineyard is located mid-valley adjacent to the Russian River and was planted in 1995. The second vineyard, planted in 1997, lies near the edge of the eastern foothills. Yields in 2001 averaged 3.2 tons per acre. Winemaking Following hand-harvesting, the grapes were de-stemmed only (whole berries). Fermentations were conducted in a combination of open-top vessels with a punch-down device and closed tanks with gentle cap irrigators. Several types of yeast were used for both inoculated and uninoculated fermenting. Most lots were pressed directly to barrel, and malolactic fermentations finished in barrel. Post-fermentation, selected lots received extended maceration averaging 45 days for further phenolic development. After one year, the wines were racked and returned to barrel for an additional year of aging. Tasting Notes Dark, syrupy fruit with rose and violets open up the nose of this focused wine. The mouth follows with sweet cherry-berry, juicy fruit and texture into seamless oak for a rich deep finish. 1,313 cases produced Alcohol content, 14.1% by volume

Wine & Spirits "Elegant and complete, this is a well made wine from a light vintage, its initial cherry skin scents coming off bold, its texture supple, its overall impression compact and complete. There’s a cherry juiciness that lasts, along with a ripe figgy flavor and hard tannins." Wine Spectator "A jazzy style, with spicy, toasty oak leading to a core of currant, plum and anise flavors, unfolding to reveal a mineral, spice and cedar side on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2008." 91 score. Restaurant Wine "The Alexander is suppler and fruitier, yet has excellent character and balance; the Napa Valley bottling is richer but a bit more rugged in style. Both will benefit from further aging." Quarterly Review of Wines "California Best of the Best. Medium ruby color; intense, ripe-blackberry nose; rich, succulent, medium-weight, blackberry and oak-vanillin flavors; nice lush texture; excellent balance, round, stylish finish." Excellent.