Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/711666
{ SOMMjournal.com } 73 The Somm Journal and Master Sommelier Fred Dame, VP of Prestige Accounts for American Wine & Spirits, were co-hosts of the three- day educational wine academy, organized by the Alexander Valley Winegrowers. "Thirty years ago, we were not hav - ing this kind of conversation about Alexander Valley," noted Dame. "We had to be patient, and now we're here talking about Cabernet Sauvignon that has stepped into a higher gear." If there was a clear message from the experi - ence, it was just this: The wines from this region have grown up. "Fifteen to 20 years ago we had a bad rap about pyrazines; we're tasting wines with - out them now. Winemakers and growers have learned where to grow Cab here in the Valley," Hawkes attested. "What I love about these wines are the tex- tural components," Dame told the group. "The beauty of the 2012s is apparent; the voluptuous mouthfeel is proof in the glass of this amazing topography." High atop Hawkes Pyramid Vineyard, the panelists led our first introduction tasting of 2012 Cabs from Alexander Valley. Left to right: Fred Dame, MS; Stefen Soltysiak, CWE, CS/Wine Educator for Joseph Phelps Vineyards; Harry Wetzel IV, Alexander Valley Vineyards; and Jake Hawkes, Winemaker/Hawkes Wines. The flavor profile that continues to distinguish the Bordeaux varieties from Alexander Valley is that of elegance and, as Fred Dame described it, voluptuous. Pyrazines are disappearing and being replaced with concentrated fruit; mineral- ity is showing itself more prominently than in past years, along with savory herbs and mountain spices. Tannins are round and soft, and yet ageability is more relevant in these wines than ever before. Grower and Winemaker Bret Munselle plays a prominent role as the voice of Alexander Valley, farming 600 acres of vineyards. He consults, sells fruit to wineries and makes wines under the Munselle label. "We are becoming more decisive on the weather," he explained, adding, "We are not reactive, but deci - sive on exactly when to pick. We don't wait until the weather gets better—it won't. We pick and put it to bed. We're in California, and on average we have a fantastic climate for growing grapes." Alyson White, President of the Alexander Valley Winegrowers (AVW), with Corey Beck, President of Francis Ford Coppola Winery, and Bret Munselle, Past President at AVW and current board member of the Sonoma Co. Winegrape Commission. The Cab Academy was Munselle's original idea. A Reputation for Elegance: WEATHER AND MICRO-CLIMATES OF ALEXANDER VALLEY