Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/237615
EVENT WRAP-UP ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS Maggie and Harry Wetzel bought the property for their vineyard in 1975 from the heirs of Cyrus Alexander, namesake of the Alexander Valley. The 2009 Cyrus is a Bordeaux blend paying homage to this California wine country pioneer. A total of 1,500 cases are produced by Kevin Hall, who has been the family's winemaker for 15 years. Hall loves the Alexander Valley because its diverse soils allow for many different grape varieties to be planted. The Cyrus fruit comes primarily from hillside vines and yields are roughly 2.5 to 3 tons per acre. Winemaker Kevin Hall of Alexander Valley Vineyards. Alexander Valley Vineyards 2009 Cyrus, Alexander Valley ($60) From a deep ruby colored-core wafts black and red fruit, tobacco spice and earthy notes, leading to a lush mouthfeel suggestive of sweet ripe strawberries, blackberries and leather on the finish. GREYSCALE Owners Jean and Larry Rowe were inspired to make their own wines thanks to Jean's dad, who grew grapes in his backyard, and after visiting several famous French châteaux. They sprang into action and hired Kian Tavakoli, formerly of Opus One and Clos du Val, to be winemaker, and their 250-case production is housed in Folio Winery (owned by Michael Mondavi). The first vintage was 2008 and their 2009 Cabernet won Double Gold and Napa Valley Cab of the Year at the 2012 New York International Wine Competition. Owners Jean and Larry Rowe of Greyscale Wines. Greyscale 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($54) An elegant wine, packed with black currant, blackberries and anise notes followed by a lengthy licorice finish. STEVEN KENT WINERY Steven Kent is a sixth-generation Mirassou who wanted to make a great Bordeaux blend from the Livermore Valley. "There's only a handful of folks leveraging Livermore as a world-class growing region," he says. The first vintage of Steven Kent was produced in 2007 and the wines are primarily DTC, however some restaurants in major markets can boast of this boutique offering on their lists, including Stella in New Orleans and Carne Vino by Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich in Las Vegas. Steven Kent 2010 Lineage, Livermore Valley ($145) A classy wine framed by blackberry and blueberry fruit, bright cassis, graphite and cedar notes. The wine is supremely plush on the mouth exhibiting dark fruit and energy through a welcome and delicate mocha finish. 98 / the tasting panel / january 2014 TP0114_66-108.indd 98 12/19/13 9:48 PM