Alexander Valley is the northernmost AVA in Sonoma County. It begins just south of Mendocino County as the Russian River courses through a steep gorge, and later empties out into the floor of Alexander Valley. Perhaps because the Russian River has its flood plain here, the soil is exceptionally well drained and alluvial. The weather is also HOT - it can be 20F hotter in Geyserville than Healdsburg in high summer, though they're only five miles apart. Our vineyards here (Lyon and Passalacqua) yield intense, opulent Cabernet Sauvignon typified by soft tannins and notes of chocolate. We also harvest Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel here, each of which tends to be intense, extracted and delicious.