Deep ruby color; tart cherry, blackcurrant, plum, blackberry, mocha, cedar, oak, spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; chalky, somewhat assertive tannins, good acidity (3.56 pH). Relatively one-dimensional, but solid cab at its price point. Medium-plus body. The 2021 Napa vintage was challenging, dry winter and spring followed by consistent summer without heat spikes. The result was concentrated flavors with good acidity. This qualifies, but there is an austere, strident element on pop-and-pour. Decanting, time in glass or age in bottle will make this more drinker friendly. For now, this is wine that should be sipped with assertive, grilled red meats rather than sipped solo or with delicate fare. 13.85% ABV
Grapes came from several benchland and mountain ranches that produce smaller crops and intense colors. Vine canopies were managed to shield the grapes from direct sunlight. Fruit hang time was extended to allow ful ripening. The wine aged in neutral barrels for 15 months, then an additional two months in stainless steel with French oak staves. All Benziger wines are made with grapes from certified sustainable vineyards. The winery notes: “Our sustainable philosophy promotes natural vineyard management. restoration of the land and biodiversity on the estate. We believe these practices result in wines that reflect the authentic flavors, aromas and character of the vineyard.”
Mike Benziger and his wife, Mary arrived in Northern California in 1973 to start their wine adventure. Mike and his father, Bruno, purchased the historic Wegener Rancho on Sonoma Mountain in 1980. Benziger Sonoma Mountain Estate transitioned from conventional farming to biodynamic in 1995 and was officially certified in 2000. In 2006, all Benziger wines were certified as sustainable, organic, and biodynamic. In 2015, Mike retired as winemaker and was replaced by Lisa Amaroli. Benziger son Chris is the winery’s brand ambassador and vice president.
The Benzigers sold their wine operation to The Wine Group, one of the world’s largest producers, in 2015. The Wine Group is best known for supermarket wines Almaden and Cupcake, but the Benziger winery wisely has been left alone to produce its eco-friendly product. That is a nice trend among several giant wine groups—acquire a winery that is doing well, then allow them to continue doing what they are doing well while providing the marketing and distribution clout needed for ongoing success. That something of a “duh” assertion. If it ain’t broke, why fix it? Why not encourage and enhance rather than change? So far, so good with Benziger Family Winery.
Benziger Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is an assertive cab that will be best paired with rich red meat fare rather than sipped by itself or with charcuterie board or finger fare. Benziger admirably is a pioneer leader in sustainable farming, a legacy they continue to enhance. They also consistently produce quality, affordable wine. This cab is no exception. Pair with rich beef—ribeye, T-bone, New York strip, top sirloin, slow-cooked brisket; lamb; veal; barbecue pork, baby back ribs; Italian pasta dishes with tomato sauces and meat; pizza; wild game—venison, wild boar, wild turkey. Cheese—aged cheddar, aged gouda, blue cheese, aged gruyere, camembert, gorgonzola. $17-20
Benziger Family Winery website
