Alternate Current is a négociant-style producer dedicated to crafting small-production wines from exceptional vineyard sites—parcels that might otherwise be lost in larger blends due to their limited yields or complex backstories. Our philosophy is rooted in offering an alternate path for these unique expressions, with a strong emphasis on terroir, grower relationships, and low-intervention winemaking. By keeping our production intentionally small and focused, we’re able to showcase the distinct character and story behind each wine.
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
Moon Mountain District
of Sonoma County
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Our first two releases of Alternate Current are a collaboration between winemaker Rob Fischer and the Project Optimist Team.
Rob Fischer is a veteran winemaker with extensive experience across multiple regions and styles. Having worked at prestigious wineries including Domaine Carneros, Etude, Beaulieu Vineyards, and Banshee, Rob brings decades of winemaking expertise to Alternate Current. His passion lies in cool-climate wines, particularly from Sonoma Coast, where he appreciates the natural balance and acid retention of the fruit.Rob's approach emphasizes gentle handling in the vineyard, strong grower relationships, and minimal intervention in the winery. He values authenticity over trends, preferring to make wines that reflect their place of origin rather than following market demands.
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Region: Moon Mountain District AVA, Sonoma County
Vineyard: The grapes were sourced from a six-acre vineyard originally planted in the 1990s by Phil Coturri—often referred to as the “Godfather” of Sonoma Wine Country. Situated on volcanic soils near the iconic Monte Rosso Vineyard, the site is organically farmed and dry-farmed, yielding Cabernet Sauvignon with natural balance and character. Its distinctive setting—part quarry, cannabis drying facility, and turkey farm—adds to the unique terroir that defines this singular site.
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Profile: This mid-slope Cabernet Sauvignon displays the silky tannins typical of Sonoma, complemented by notes of purple fruit and graphite. In contrast to the more opulent styles often found in Napa, it emphasizes elegance and structure, with restrained fruit expression and lower alcohol.
Vinification: The grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness with the aim of capturing an “Old California” style. At the winery, they were gently de-stemmed and lightly foot-tread before fermentation began with native yeasts in a mix of open- and closed-top vessels. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation followed naturally. The wine remained on the skins for 20 to 24 days, with gentle extraction to preserve elegance and balance. It was then transferred to French oak barrels—20% of them new—for approximately 15 months of aging.
2023 Syrah
Green Valley
of Russian River Valley
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Our first two releases of Alternate Current are a collaboration between winemaker Rob Fischer and the Project Optimist Team.
Rob Fischer is a veteran winemaker with extensive experience across multiple regions and styles. Having worked at prestigious wineries including Domaine Carneros, Etude, Beaulieu Vineyards, and Banshee, Rob brings decades of winemaking expertise to Alternate Current. His passion lies in cool-climate wines, particularly from Sonoma Coast, where he appreciates the natural balance and acid retention of the fruit.Rob's approach emphasizes gentle handling in the vineyard, strong grower relationships, and minimal intervention in the winery. He values authenticity over trends, preferring to make wines that reflect their place of origin rather than following market demands.
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Region: Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County
Vineyard: The grapes were sourced from Miller Vineyard, a four-acre site nestled among coastal redwoods in the heart of the West Sonoma Coast and farmed by the Dutton family. Planted in the late 1980s on well-drained Goldridge soils—weathered sandstone formed from ancient marine deposits—the vines benefit from naturally low vigor. Syrah is a rare find in this region, which is typically dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, making these mature Syrah vines especially distinctive.
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Profile: Cool-climate Syrah with vibrant acidity, supple juiciness, and an effusive high-tone character complemented by dark fruit notes. Offers complexity similar to Northern Rhône styles but with its own distinct Sonoma character.
Vinification: The 2023 vintage was cool and challenging, requiring careful vineyard decisions to achieve full ripeness. Additional fruit was dropped late in the season, and the grapes were ultimately harvested at the end of October at 22.5° Brix—translating to approximately 13% alcohol. Fermentation was carried out with 60% whole clusters and native yeasts, preserving the wine’s purity and structure. Aging took place in a fourth-fill French oak puncheon.