Deep ruby color; black cherry, blackberry, baking spice on the nose; black cherry, plum, blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, oak spice on the palate.
Dry; moderate tannins and acidity. Full body. Ripe, juicy, fruity. Generally smooth, but there is twitch of tang on the back end. Grapes come from Certified Sustainable vineyards in San Benito County, Paso Robles, and the estate San Lucas Vineyard near Montere. Aged 13 months in toasted French and American oak. 14% ABV
Tribute Wine began with five Benziger brothers. The oldest moved from New York to California to start a winery and convinced his dad, Bruno, to come and help, bringing the family with him. The website notes: “Building the winery from nothing and trying to tame a wild ranch into a vineyard, felt more like feats of strength on a game show than a concerted effort to accomplish something.”
Four decades later, the youngest, Chris Benziger, notes: “my brothers have retired or are working on their own pet projects. As I roll up my sleeves and step up to my time to lead, I couldn’t be more grateful to them for shaping the man and leader I am today. Tribute Wines are my way of honoring the journey we took together and the special bond we forged. In my family, the truly great moments were often the little ones, four generations around the dinner table on a random Tuesday or a hard day’s work wrapped up at our neighborhood bar. When I raise a glass of Tribute, it’s those times that come flooding back. So here’s to the big, little moments—may we create many more!”
Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 delivers nice value for price. Simple, easy drinker. Largely one-dimensional—bold black fruits backed by generous oak. What you expect from a commodity cab in this price range. Certainly works as a weekday quaff where you don’t want challenge your palate or pocketbook. Pair with beef, especially barbecue; lamb; venison; barbecue chicken; baby back ribs; comfort food, meatloaf, burgers and sliders. Cheese—creamy and bloomy cheese; bleu cheese, humbolt fog, brie, camembert, sharp cheddar, ricotta, gorgonzola, gouda, cheddar—harder, aged cheeses. $14-15
Tribute Wine website, many good videos
