2018 Stuhlmuller Cabernet Sauvignon

Alexander Valley

Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.

Stuhlmuller Vineyards is tucked into a unique river bench and hillside location in the southwestern edge of the Alexander Valley where three of Northern Sonoma County’s top appellations come together, virtually a stone’s throw from Chalk Hill and the Russian River Valley. After selling grapes to a number of area wineries, in the mid-90’s Fritz Stuhlmuller decided to put the family’s name on a label, working with winemaker Kerry Damskey to produce small lots of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from 150-acres of estate vineyard.