Mission Codename The intersection
“A beautifully balanced expression, offering both approachability and depth…” – Decanter
Q: Who’s between Jordan and Silver Oak?
A: Stuhlmuller!
Or call it the intersection of value lane, 95 POINTS, and $35 a pop today.
You love big, bold juicy Cabs? We know (most of) you do.
Ones made by small, independent family-owned wineries? As opposed to big multi-brands using formulaic and soulless recipes?
We have your next muse.
A classy crowd-pleaser. And a bargain.
This was a resounding YES at the full Spy tasting. 100% love. Yeah, it is THAT delectable, without the premium upcharge of course, because we’re dropping it into your lap for an epic deal today!
Stephen Tanzer, for Antonio Galloni’s Vinous points out that “Fritz Stuhlmuller oversees his family property, which encompasses 150-acres just outside of Healdsburg. The estate has been known as a top source of grapes for many years, many of California’s best wineries buy fruit from these vineyards.” So, the said all-star cast includes Armida, Aperture, Coppola, Dutcher Crossing, to name a few!
This comes as no surprise as Stuhlmuller is surrounded by Jordan, Silver Oak, Stonestreet, Lancaster, and Verité which is certainly good company. And when you have prime fruit, it makes sense to keep some of the choice stuff for your own project. Evidently so, as this is killer juice.
And you’ll be paying a SMALL FRACTION of the neighbors’ prices!
The inviting nose is pure deep dark red fruit and layer upon layer of spices, plums, cedar, tobacco, and the loveliest hint of eucalyptus. It has all the things!! A perfect package of cab-loving flavors wrapped around sexy tannins and bright, beautiful acidity. Close your eyes and you’d think you were drinking a bottle well over $100! Or open your eyes and start slow braising that chunk of beef for weeknight fun.
All that for $35?
94 Points – Decanter “Elegantly fashioned, the 2021 Stuhlmuller Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a medley of black cherry and ripe blackberry fruits layered with aromatic tobacco and sandalwood. Medium-bodied yet assertive, this wine delivers powerful, grippy tannins that grip the palate and a backbone of crunchy acidity that keeps everything vibrant. As the finish unfolds, sweet oak notes emerge, rounding out the experience with a satisfying touch of warmth. It’s a beautifully balanced expression, offering both approachability and depth - perfect for enjoying now or tucking away for a few years. Drink 2024-2034.”
95 Points – Wine Enthusiast “Not yet published”
What the Winery Says
2021 Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
- Consulting winemaker
- Leo Hansen
- Winemaker
- Zac Childers
- Varietals
- 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot
- Vintage
- 2021
- Alcohol
- 14.2%
- Appellation
- Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
- Vineyard
- Stuhlmuller Estate
- Harvest date
- September 20, 2018
- Brix at harvest
- 24.3˚ - 25.7˚
- Soils
- Alluvial gravel, rocky hillsides
- Total acidity
- 5.9 g/L
- pH
- 3.77
- Bottling date
- June 2023
- Aging
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 50% new French oak