After the Harvest Party, Alexandria Nicole Cellars A Squared 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Photo: Alexandria Nicole 2009 "a squared" Cabernet Sauvignon.

Jarrod and Ali Boyle are producing wonderful Washington wines at their Alexandria Nicole Cellars winery. A wise and loving husband, Jarrod named the winery after his wife Ali. This summer I had an insightful visit at their Paterson winery and a grand tour of their Destiny Ridge vineyard during véraison. This weekend my wife and I had the pleasure of being guests at the Alexandria Nicole Cellars annual Harvest Party.

Photo: Ali Boyle rolling a wine barrel while husband Jarrod cheers her on.

Thankfully, we did not have to drive ourselves to the party at the winery. Two large bus coaches received our group of revelers in Richland and delivered us all to the winery. The hour long trip was ameliorated by glasses of Alexandria Nicole Cellars Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The only way to travel.

Photo: Chef Magaña in charge of Oysters and Dinner.

The Harvest Party was, well, a party. Oysters on the half-shell were paired with tasty Viognier, help yourself please. Chef Magaña as the exclusive chef for Alexandria Nicole Cellars in Eastern Washington, runs his business, Chef Magaña Catering, from their Prosser tasting room. He and his staff did a wonderful job catering this event.

Photo: Wind powered the Harvest party.

Jet Black Syrah was poured as you needed and there were many attractions and activities, including: a skeet shooting contest, barrel rolling contest, wine throwing contest, grape stomping contest and plenty of cigars to go around.

Photo: Happy guests at the Harvest Party.

Photo: After the grape stomping contest.

Alexandria Nicole Cellars has some of the most fulfilled wine club members I've ever met. They are a content group. After the dinner of steak and lobster, wine club members took over the main tent and danced into the evening. I'm told there is a wait list for their Wine Club. Do tell. Wine club members benefit from many perks provided by Jarrod and Ali, secret rooms and exclusive releases included.

Photo: Sunset at Destiny Ridge Vineyard.

We're not wine club members, however, back home we had the pleasure of enjoying a bottle of Alexandria Nicole Cellars, 2009 A Squared Cabernet Sauvignon, with grilled steak of course.

Photo: 2009 "a squared" cabernet sauvignon.

Tasting Notes

This Cabernet Sauvignon was a sexy dark garnet. It was a bit quiet at opening, with a little air stimulation, it rose to expectation. Bouquet of cherry roses, an expanse of cherry spice, vanilla bean, dry currant, good mouth feel, pleasantly grippy (that fine balance of dry tannins and acidity, most noticeable between teeth and lips), with rich dark chocolate on the finish. A tasty companion to the grilled steak. Decant this wine first to enjoy today, or leave in your cellar a couple more years to enjoy, in a couple more years. Recommended.

Vineyard: Destiny Ridge Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills AVA.
Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.
Closure: natural cork.
ABV: 14.4%
Sample provided by winery
Retail price: $24

Produced and Bottled by Alexandria Nicole Cellars
Prosser, Washington
509-786-3497

TASTING ROOM LOCATIONS

PROSSER TASTING ROOM
Open daily 11-5 | 2880 Lee Rd, Suite D , Prosser, WA | 509.786.3497

HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE
Open 12-5 Thursday-Monday| Friday night happy hour 5-8 |
14810 Northeast 145th Street, Woodinville | 425.487.9463

DESTINY RIDGE VINEYARD AND WINERY
Open by Appt.| 158422 W. Sonova Rd. | 509.242.9979

Cheers!

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