Aromas of Chocolate Covered Cherries. Cocoa, Nutmeg and Vanilla Create a Round Palate. Excellent wine.  Nose exhibits freshly opened cherry blossoms in spring, light and delicately lifted by oak-imparted vanilla aromas. Bright acidity highlights the entry and finish with soft tannins in the mid-palate. ALEXANDER VALLEY Long, warm days aided by the absence of marine influence marks this site. The soils are composed of clay and clay loam with underlying layers of basalt, sandstone and serpentine rock. Vines are challenged by the low nutrient level of the clay and the shallow topsoil, which both force them to produce more concentrated fruit.