Alexander Valley is celebrated for producing value Cabernets with a bold structure, mouth-quenching acidity, and intense dark fruits that are age-worthy and can be captivating on release. Nick Goldschmidt has produced some brilliant examples over the years, and he’s well-versed in the region, having made SIMI wines since the early 90s. Luke Goldschmidt is a partnership between Nick and his son Luke, and like his father, Luke has vast experience making wine all over the world from Chile, France, Spain, Argentina to New Zealand. At $22, this wine is rocking.

 

The 2017 vintage is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from low-vigor vines, yielding just 3.5 tons per acre of highly concentrated berries. The wine is deep and rich on the palate, and layered with red and black fruits, cocoa, cherry pipe tobacco, and dried herbs. 

 

Nick and Luke fermented this release in a combination of French, American, and Hungarian Oak barrels, which added compelling spice notes and vexations of toasty oak. Just like in previous Goldschmidt Cabernets, this beauty out-performs others at double its price.

 

Retails at: $25