TIMEfRAME

Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine is made of Cabernet grapes from River Lane Vineyard. Refined tannins give it a bold flavor. At the same time, the geology of the Alexander Valley and the hills that surround it contribute a minerality that is enhanced by hints of cassis and blackberry.

BACKGROUND

While California’s Napa Valley might be the capital of cabernet, producing very bold and powerful wines, Sonoma county’s Alexander Valley has, over the years, produced slightly softer and more elegant cabernets. It may be the soil – river rock combined with alluvial deposits that drain from the sides of the valley; it may be the light fogs that periodically cover the valley. Whatever it is, the wines of Alexander Valley are unique, expressing different qualities.

Nine years ago, we purchased a small, four acre vineyard that was politely described as “needing work.” We went to work, hiring a viticulturist, replacing the well and irrigation systems, planting a number of new vines. We added potassium and boron to the soil to support root growth. For the first few years we sold the entire harvest to other wineries. In 2013 we were ready to make our own wine label. With the help of Jim Richard, a local winemaker, we experimented with multiple blends for several weeks. We finally settled on a classic blend of 75% cabernet (all from our own vineyard), and a blend of merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec to balance the wine.

TIMEfRAME TASTING NOTES

Tasting wine is, of course, a very personal experience but when we taste it, here is how we describe it: a young wine, with notes of cassis, a hint of black cherry and a slight hint of tobacco. There is also a slight minerality to the wine. The vineyard is filled with ancient river rocks, which helps to create a nice balance, however subtle, between fruit and minerals. We think it is quite versatile when it comes to food — steak or lamb, for sure. Pizza, pasta, and vegetables with a red sauce works very well.

The Label

Timeframe® is a registered trademark, created by Lexicon Branding. The name supports the idea of the time and the seasons that play into the making of a good wine. The label was designed created by Kit Hinrichs of Studio Hinrichs, one of America’s foremost graphic designers. It has high visual appeal that we know helps sell wines.

The Future

We are in this endeavor for the long term. We love the Alexander Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in all of California. Our goal is to create a coveted cabernet from the Alexander Valley. In 2013 we made 80 cases, in 2014 100 cases, in 2015 150 cases. The vineyard has the potential for about 600 cases which we hope to have in distribution by 2021/2022. Slow but sure. Quality is everything.