2008 Alexander School Reserve Alluvia Wine

Alluvia is a winemaker's wine showcasing unique varietals - classic Rhone grapes of Syrah, Viognier and Grenache, techniques -
cofermenting and barrel treatment and vineyard sites - well drained Alluvia soils, hence the name. These soils yield fewer grapes per vine, grapes with amazing concentration and deep flavor. The weather in 2008 (from drought and frigid temperatures) also lowered yields dramatically, resulting in fruit that showed a little more richness than we have seen from recent vintages. Syrah and Viognier ripened at the same time so we were able to co-ferment the two, stabilizing the color of the Syrah and tempering the tannins in the concentrated fruit. Winemaker Kevin Hall blended Grenache harvested from 85 year old Alexander Valley vines to add additional complexity, roundness and character.

94 points - Gold Medal - Best of Appellation CA State Fair

91 points - Gold Medal LA International Wine & Spirits Competition

Gold Medal 2012 Houston Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition

Appellation	Alexander Valley
Grape Varietal	Syrah 53% , Grenache 39%, Viognier 8%
Barrel Regimen	18 months
Cases Produced	307
Alcohol (by volume)	14.0%

Winemaker's Comments

I aged the lots separately in 11 different barrels for 18 months to add complexity to the blend.

Grenache four 92 gallon barrels French Oak

Syrah six 60 gallon barrels French Oak

Syrah one 92 gallon barrel Hungarian Oak

In the glass the wine is a dark inky purple, with bright berry aromas, vanilla and spice. It has fine grained tannins with flavors of blueberry, blackberry, vanilla and spice. Alluvia is distinctly different and limited with 307 cases produced.