2021 John's Promise

Blend Composition | 80% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Aglianico, 5% Teroldego
Harvest Date | September 24th & October 7th
Alcohol by volume | 14.4%
Production | 129 cases

John’s promise was to his wife, Mrs. Benish, asserting that they would always strive to make outstanding wine with a sense of place.

VINTAGE
The 2021 vintage will be remembered for low yields with intensely-flavored, small-sized berries and a smooth and uneventful harvest season. The season started off with very little rain, leading to the 2nd year of drought conditions.  While concerning in the long term, the drought of 2021 resulted in a more natural load on the vines, requiring less pruning and dropping of fruit. The resulting grapes are packed full of flavor.  Truly, one of the great vintages.

WINEMAKING
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Aglianico in this blend were harvested and fermented separately. After a brief cold soak, each lot fermented in 10-14 days. The wine was gently pressed off the skin to age in French oak barrels.  60% new French oak aged for 22 months.

TASTING NOTES
This complex wine erupts with dark blackberry, chocolate, and dark cherries on the nose and leads to black currant, licorice, and Graham crackers on the palate. For the patient connoisseur, this wine will continue to develop and last for 20+ years.

PAIRINGS
This is a wine to contemplate on its own, but a nice medium rare Wagyu Ribeye would pair beautifully. 

- Matt Reid, Winemaker