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2003 Sonoma Mountain Red

Vineyard

VINEYARD: Our Sonoma Mountain Estate Red is a Demeter-certified Biodynamic® wine produced entirely from the Benziger Family Estate. The Sonoma Mountain appellation is one of the smallest and most exclusive appellations in California. We produce three red wines from our estate: Tribute - the winery's flagship wine, Sonoma Mountain Red and Joaquin's Inferno Estate Zinfandel.

The four Aristotelian elements: earth, water, air and fire believed by ancient civilizations (and supported by today's science) to make up all objects in the universe are the icons and benchmarks of this wine. We believe that every place on earth has a different combination of earth (soil), water (bonds a plant to its environment), air (light) and fire (warmth). When these elements are united in ideal ratios, the fifth element (spirit) appears - the ultimate expression of our connection to the land.

Vintage

The season began on a wet note - we got almost a year's average rainfall in December 2002 - but an unseasonably warm spring gave us an early bud break in March. The vines began to grow and the weather turned cold and wet again in April; depending on location we had rain between 20 to 26 days of the month. This cool overcast weather virtually stopped vine growth and filled the soil with water. As it turned out, April rains and soil moisture ended up being the big story of 2003. Warm weather in May got things going again with explosive growth, then June cooled off and it became apparent that it was going to be a late harvest. There were rumblings about similarities with 1998, but with record heat in July, the situation looked hopeful. August cooled some but brought a tropical weather pattern and the fear of rain. The weather warmed in late September and it became a challenge to control sugars while waiting for flavor maturity. Once harvest began in mid-September, but thanks to a cooling trend, we were able to bring in fruit with great ripeness and maturity through October. 2003 was unique and, weather-wise all over the board. But we got what we needed at critical times and most varietals fared beautifully.

Vinification

Sonoma Mountain Red is a blend of wines that showcases the diverse and healthy environment in and around the Benziger Family Estate - of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 9% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc. This wine is made with the most traditional hands-on methods. The grapes were hand sorted in the vineyard, fermented in small tanks and serviced by hand with love and care. Native yeast and malolactic bacteria were employed throughout. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak - about 30% of the barrels were brand new - and bottled in May of 2005. Alcohol 14.5%, TA .58 pH 3.76, Residual sugar .16%.

Tasting Notes

The concentrated and structured flavors are of blackberry, chocolate, mint, black pepper and vanilla. It is a powerful wine with an intense body and texture. The tannins are big, but soft. Drink now, but it will improve until 2012. Enjoy with lamb in rosemary-sage sauce, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, or duck and mushroom risotto.

Mike Benziger, Winemaker