Wine on the Radio - May 19, 2003

Alexander Valley

Today we're visiting cabernet country . . . Sonoma's Alexander Valley.

With the warm, hot days and cool nights of California's Mediterranean climate   there's a yin and yang cycle that cabernet just adores.   No area replicates the cycle like Sonoma's Alexander Valley.

The hot - cool - hot cycle develops concentrated flavors in the grapes that yield richly textured wines  

Some are really drinkable, 'enjoy them now' wines, while others will develop well in a good cool cellar for a decade or more. These latter often come from vineyards on the benchland or even from the fringes of the Mayacamas Mountains to the east.

And the best way to try them is right at the source if you can.   From Healdsburg to Cloverdale you've got about thirty wineries to discover.

The first weekend of the month is extra special in Alexander Valley.   Many of the wineries offer specially themed tastings . . . as well as some discounts.

Pop the cork in the Alexander Valley™.

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