Scoring 18+ Dionysian points on its 20-point scale, the 1987 Geyser Peak Reserve Alexandre has 12.5% alcohol, and cost under $16 back then.
After decanting, the Bordeaux-style red had an amber edge around its light ruby color. Subtle tobacco, and rose pedal aromas filled the glass. Soft tannins lead to a long, clean finish. It’s easy to see why it was a Sonoma County Gold Medal Winner at their Harvest Fair decades ago.
The label easily shows the percentage of all five Bordeaux grapes. The silver coin photo on the label is from an actual tetradrachm from 321 B.C. during the reign of Lysimachus, and is the likeness of Alexander the Great.
At 32 years old, the Petit Verdot’s inky color still lingers. Rose pedal notes from the Cabernet Franc are still present, and blueberry from the Merlot shows.
Wines like this prove that California use to make ageable wines before the alcohols went sky-high. I have only one remaining in my cellar. In Vino Veritas.
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