Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

I picked up Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 because it was a budget friendly Cabernet from a fantastic appellation, Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. Geyser Peak was founded in 1880 by Augustus Quitzow, one of Sonoma County’s pioneer winemakers. Today it is a part of Ascentia Wine Estates; named after their applauded Ascentia Vineyard in Alexander Valley. The wine producer group’s holdings include 8 brands and 583 acres of vineyards located throughout California, Washington and Idaho.  Geyser Peak is noted for its “fruit-forward, food-friendly wines’, and have been awarded Winery of the Year and Winemaker of the Year honors. Assisting in achieving this acclaim is their commitment to sustainable viticulture.  They believe in balance and making smart choices that allow for the lowest environmental impact. They have a state of the art lighting system throughout the entire facility that reduces their carbon footprint significantly, the wine bottles are recycled and eco friendly, harvest byproducts are composted, waste water is redistributed, non-chlorinated cleaning chemicals are used in the winery, and they are enrolled in the Fish Friendly Farming Program.

Garnet with red-violet rim, after aerating aromas of sweet strawberry, blackberry, and spicy cayenne pepper were entwined with wisps of smoky cedar. Jammy blackberry and black cherry flavours were underscored by woodsy oak elements in the medium body. Spicy black pepper, warm cigar box spices and rich mocha notes comprised the lengthy finish. Straightforward and friendly, this is a crowd pleasing glass ready for the table.

Cabernet Sauvignon [I could not verify varietal percentage]

Alexander Valley/Sonoma County
California
Produced & Bottled by Geyser Peak Winery
13.5% Alcohol
$13
Enjoy now thru 2015

Rated 86 points by Wine Enthusiast