2016 Monson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - Oak Tree Winery

Dark cherry, pencil lead, deep blackberry. Damson plum, red plumeria, pomegranate liqueur. Rolling tobacco and volcanic earth, fresh basil and sinus-clearing menthol. High-toned red fruits emanate from a solid core of dark berries, graphite, and cedar. Anise, nutmeg, & vanilla add spice to weightless wonder. Slightly inky purple with satin tannin and a noticeable acid streak. This 2016 Monson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon by Oak Tree Winery is boutique brilliance from Sonoma's Alexander Valley.

The Alexander Valley is like Napa Valley's unassuming little brother. Located just on the other side of the Mayacamas Mountain range it possesses soil & climate characteristics that are unquestionably similar to Napa's. The Monson Vineyard, located in the Benchland Slopes district of the Alexander Valley, is particularly well suited to the cultivation of Bordeaux grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 18 months in 1 year old French oak this wine is tremendously polished and fresh. A surprisingly aromatic bouquet of blooming flowers, pronounced red fruit, and intense mint sets the tone for a wine of substantial concentration that manages to remain light as a feather. Oak Tree Winery has done a fantastic job here of realizing the potential of this world class fruit source. The value here is indisputable - if this stuff said "Napa" on the label it would be selling for three times the price.