2004 PreVail West Face - Alexander Valley [ $55 ]
The grapes for West Face are grown on the steep slopes of Ferrari-Carano’s LookOut Mountain which sits at the junction of Alexander Valley, Knights Valley and Chalk Hill appellations. This spectacular mountain vineyard boasts 360 degree views, soaring in elevation from 500 to 1,400 feet, with soils deep, red and rich with nutrients. This site produces a wine with aromas of mocha, blackberry and caramel balanced by a plush middle palate of ripe blackberry, cherry and currant. Earthy, smoky notes pose as a prelude to finishing flavors of toffee, espresso and chocolate while attractive tannins yield a delicious finish that lasts several minutes.
Vintage Notes
These mountain vines with ideal western sun exposure are dry farmed in verdant soil that adds impressive depth and concentration of flavor intensity to the wine. The 2004 growing season was a long, cool even ripening vintage, starting with an early, mild spring followed by a memorable Labor Day weekend fire in the eastern hills of Alexander Valley that covered the vineyards with smoke and ash. This heat event gave way to a mild October, with the last of the grapes harvested by the middle of the month.
Winemakers Notes
The grapes for West Face are hand-harvested, and upon entering the winery, hand-sorted and then gravity fed directly into oak tanks for seven days of cold soaking. Wine was moved to barrels for malolactic fermentation and barrel aged in the wine caves for 22 months, with an additional 14 months aging in bottle prior to release.
| Appellation: |
Alexander Valley |
| Blend: |
70% Cabernet Sauvignon,
30% Syrah |
| Cooperage: |
60% new French and 40% older French oak barrels |
| Release Day: |
November 2007 |
