Flanked on each side by hills and mountains, Alexander Valley experiences two distinct microclimates due to the long, narrow shape of the region. The southern part of the valley is the first area to receive the fog from the coast, and is therefore cooler than the north, which doesn’t experience these marine influences and cooler ambient temperatures until evening. Despite the temperature differential, the bordering mountain range acts as an impermeable layer to these climatic influences and traps weather conditions within the valley. As the growing season progresses, the temperature gradient continues fluidly with onshore and offshore flows occurring.  Nicolas’ Vineyard sits on a rugged hillside at the intersection of neighboring subappellations Chalk Hill and Knights Valley, and has a warm climate that’s well suited to Cabernet.

The most striking feature of the 2008 vintage was that it delivered a very small crop as a result of early spring frost that devastated many of the vines. This resulted in more intense aromatics and highly concentrated fruit flavors once the grapes reached maturity. Our 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon displays excellent concentration as a result of these conditions as well as a sophisticated character marked by intense aromatics of cherry, cocoa, and mint. Richly textured with medium-firm tannins, enjoy flavors of plum, berries, and currants embellished with notes of espresso and spicy oak.