2006 Robert Young "Red Winery Road" Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

The Youngs have deep roots in the Alexander Valley; they were one of the first families to settle and begin farming there in 1858. Today, 150+ years and four generations later, the family still farms the same lands. After a century of growing grain, fruit, and cattle, vineyards were first planted in 1963 by third-generation Robert Young and his wife. The reins passed to their four children who founded the Robery Young Estate Winery in 1997. Robert Young produces three principle wines: Chardonnay, a red Bordeaux-style blend called 'Scion', and Merlot, but in top vintages when they have a surplus of spectacular fruit, they will also several small-batch wines (50-150 cases). "Red Winey Road" Cabernet is one such special production. The 2006 shows classic Alexander Valley dark, brambly fruits in the nose, which are intensified by ripe blackberry and cassis aromas and hints of loamy earth, thanks to excellent ripening conditions in 2006. It is rich and full in the mouth, with creamy layers on the palate accented by earth and toasty vanilla notes from French oak ageing on the palate. Tannins have softened with a few years' bottle age and the mineral, fruit, and oak components are integrating nicely for an elegant, smooth, yet complex Cabernet to enjoy tonight with steak and frites.