Team C&J
Located in northern Sonoma County, the Alexander Valley is renowned for producing elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. The region’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, provides an ideal environment for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Soils here range from well-drained gravel and alluvial deposits along the valley floor to volcanic soils on the surrounding hillsides, creating nuanced differences in fruit expression.
The 2020 vintage benefited from a growing season marked by warm, dry weather, allowing grapes to achieve optimal ripeness while maintaining their natural acidity. However, it was also a year fraught with challenges, including heat spikes and the ongoing drought conditions that have shaped California’s viticulture. Despite these difficulties, the 2020 Alexander Valley The Setting Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates the resilience of the region and the skill of its winemaker, delivering a wine that speaks to both its origins and its craftsmanship.
The Setting Wines, led by Jesse Katz, has developed a reputation for producing limited-edition, meticulously crafted wines that emphasize site specificity and balance. Katz’s experience, which includes stints at iconic estates like Screaming Eagle and Pétrus, informs his approach at The Setting. His focus is on small-batch production, which allows for greater attention to detail at every stage of the winemaking process.
For this wine, the grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness and subjected to rigorous selection to ensure only the best fruit was used. After fermentation, the wine was aged in French oak barrels, a practice that enhances the wine’s structure and adds layers of complexity to its profile. The result is a wine that is both powerful and polished, a hallmark of Katz’s winemaking style.
While the 2020 Alexander Valley The Setting Cabernet Sauvignon is eminently enjoyable now, it is a wine with remarkable aging potential, capable of evolving and improving through 2040. Over time, the wine’s bold fruit flavors are likely to soften, giving way to more nuanced tertiary characteristics such as dried fruit, tobacco, and earthy undertones. To enjoy it at its peak, consider cellaring for at least five to ten years, during which the tannins will integrate further, and the wine’s already impressive complexity will deepen.
For those who prefer to enjoy the wine in its youth, decanting for at least one hour is strongly recommended. This will help to aerate the wine, softening its tannins and allowing its full range of aromas and flavors to emerge.
This Cabernet Sauvignon has garnered significant praise from wine critics and consumers alike. With a Wine Advocate rating of 96 points and a Wine Enthusiast score of 94, it has been recognized for its exemplary quality and representation of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. On Vivino, the wine boasts a 4.4-star average rating, reflecting its popularity and acclaim among wine enthusiasts.
These accolades highlight the wine’s balance, depth, and precision, as well as its ability to stand out in a competitive category. At a price point of $115, the wine delivers excellent value for a premium Cabernet Sauvignon.
Nose
The nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon is pronounced and immediately engaging, offering a symphony of aromas that are both classic and distinctive. Dominated by dark fruits such as blackberry, black currant, and plum, the wine also displays floral hints of violet, providing an aromatic lift. Secondary notes of mint and licorice weave through the bouquet, adding an herbal freshness that balances the ripeness of the fruit. A backdrop of mocha and sweet spice from the French oak aging underscores the wine’s complexity, offering a tantalizing glimpse into its rich flavor profile.
Palate
The 2020 Alexander Valley The Setting Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a full-bodied palate with pronounced intensity, seamlessly blending primary, secondary, and tertiary elements. The first sip introduces lush flavors of blackberry, black currant, and black cherry, supported by subtle herbal notes of bell pepper and mint. These flavors are layered with tertiary notes of cedar and leather, reflecting the wine’s oak aging and its potential for further development in the bottle.
What sets this wine apart is its balance of power and precision. The tannins are firm and structured, providing a robust framework that ensures longevity, while the medium acidity brings freshness and lift, preventing the wine from feeling heavy despite its full-bodied nature. The alcohol (14.9%) is noticeable, but it integrates harmoniously with the wine’s rich fruit and savory elements, contributing to its warmth and length.
The finish is impressively long, with lingering flavors of blackberry, cinnamon, and a subtle hint of mocha. This persistent finish speaks to the wine’s quality and meticulous construction, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and depth.
The 2020 Alexander Valley The Setting Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout wine that exemplifies the best of Alexander Valley. From its expressive bouquet to its layered palate and long finish, it is a wine that delivers both power and elegance in equal measure. While its price places it firmly in the premium category, the quality and craftsmanship it offers justify the investment, making it a worthy addition to any collector’s cellar or a memorable choice for a special occasion.
USA
Alexander Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
14.9
Jesse Katz
62–68°F / 16–20°C
Large Bordeaux
1 Hour
Now to 2040
The Setting Wines
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