Cabernet Sauvignon (1985)

About this wine

This 1985 Iron Horse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley presents a deep ruby color with garnet hues, indicative of its age. The nose reveals aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and a hint of tobacco, reflecting the classic characteristics of well-aged Cabernet. On the palate, it offers a harmonious blend of dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry and plum, complemented by subtle notes of leather and earth. The tannins have softened over time, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture and a lingering finish. This wine showcases the aging potential of Alexander Valley Cabernets, offering a glimpse into the region's winemaking history.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, emerged in 17th-century Bordeaux and is now one of the world's most recognized red wine grapes. Its thick skins and hardy vines make it well-suited to various climates, including California's Alexander Valley, where it thrives in the region's warm days and cool nights. Cabernet Franc, an older variety, is known for its lighter body and aromatic qualities, contributing finesse and a peppery perfume to blends. In the 1985 Iron Horse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, both varietals were cultivated to leverage their complementary characteristics, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and depth, while Cabernet Franc added aromatic complexity and subtle spice.

Quick facts

• 🏛️ Iron Horse Vineyards, established in 1976, is renowned for its sparkling wines, which have been served at the White House since 1985.
• 🍇 The 1985 Cabernet Sauvignon from Iron Horse Vineyards is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, showcasing the winery's dedication to Bordeaux-style wines.
• 🌞 Alexander Valley, where this wine originates, is known for its warm climate and alluvial soils, contributing to the rich, chocolate notes characteristic of its Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
• 🧬 Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the primary grapes in this wine, is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, a discovery made through DNA typing in 1996.
• 🍷 The 1985 vintage of Iron Horse Cabernet Sauvignon is considered a collector's item, reflecting the winery's legacy and the wine's aging potential.

Palate profile

Producer

Iron Horse Vineyards, established in 1976 by Audrey and Barry Sterling, is a family-owned winery located in the Green Valley AVA of Sonoma County, California. The estate spans approximately 260 acres, with 160 acres under vine, exclusively planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Notably, Iron Horse sparkling wines have been served at the White House for seven consecutive presidential administrations, beginning with the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings in 1985. The winery practices precision viticulture, dividing the estate into 39 individually farmed blocks to enhance wine quality.