http://www.hafnervineyard.com

Six bottles each of 2007 and 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley.

Hafner Vineyard is a small, family-owned winery that has been growing grapes and making wine for five decades, selling only direct to patrons. Their wine improves with time, so they age their wines longer than most other wineries.

Hafner’s philosophy for making Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is inspired by the wines of Bordeaux, known for their balance and elegance. Cabernet grapes are the backbone of this wine, blended with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot. Malbec adds complexity and softness in the mid-palate, and Petit Verdot contributes a deep rich color. The focus is on elegance and finesse, not on richness, power and ripeness.

When they release the Cabernet, the bouquet is fruit-dominated, often with notes of blackberries, cassis and cherries, and hints of dark chocolate, sweet vanilla and mint.  As it ages, the winemaking techniques come to the forefront and its youthful fruitiness dissipates. Older wines begin to have notes of violets, cigar box, briars and carpaccio; they are silky, velvety, supple in the mouth, less fruity.

The wines will age well for ten to fifteen years more.