Andersen Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet/Merlot

Andersen Vineyards is planted on a banana belt ridge in the San Lorenzo Valley between Felton and Scotts Valley. Its unique location and exposure create a rare opportunity for growing Cabernet and Merlot on the west side of the appellation which is generally too cool for the Bordeaux varieties. Despite the comparatively warm weather, ripening is still slow and grapes are usually harvested just before the rains come. The vineyard is farmed by Alan Andersen, a jeweler by trade, and as you might expect, the vines are cared for with the same attention and detail as if they were a wedding ring. The wine from this vineyard is always incredible in color and tannin structure and has the herbal spices, bell pepper, and black cherry of cool climate Bordeaux. Hallcrest produced the wine from 1996-1999. Alan started his own label in 2000, but still produces the wine at our site.