Rodney Strong 2013 Alexander's Crown Vyd., Alexander Valley

One of California's historic Cabs, when it debuted in 1974 it was the first single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County. Since that time it has proven to be one of the best and most expressive. Because the Alexander's Crown Vineyard is one of the highest points in the warm Alexander Valley the grapes mature more slowly and take on more complexity and character. This wine from the outstanding 2013 vintage is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon but individual blocks within the vineyard are all vinified separately. And then a final blend is made. The wine is aged for 26 months in 100% French oak barrels, 41% new. Additional bottle age has given this wine beautiful integration and development, bringing supple, soft tannins. RObert Parker scored this 94 points and said "A famous wine from the early days of The Wine Advocate, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexanders Crown Single Vineyard comes from a lower elevation of 250 to 360 feet. The wine displays broad, sweet crme de cassis, black cherry and blueberry fruit, some licorice, graphite, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and outstanding length and purity. This is a beauty, and makes me think back to the great 1974, which was the first one I remember tasting." Limited.