2005 Tribute
Sonoma Mountain

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc
3% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot

Wine Notes [PDF]

Tribute, a Bordeaux blend produced from 100% estate grapes grown at the Benziger Family Ranch on Sonoma Mountain, is the first Demeter-certified Biodynamic® wine from Napa and Sonoma counties and one of the first in North America.

Biodynamics is the most advanced and holistic form of organic farming. What distinguishes Biodynamic farming from organic and sustainable approaches is its ability to regenerate and individualize a property.

Going beyond the typical idea of sustainability, Biodynamics builds biological capital year after year. Following Biodynamic methods creates a unique environment which we refer to as farm individuality. This individuality results in wines with distinctive, vineyard-specific flavors. Finally, the farm is viewed as a living organism - eliminating artificial inputs and minimizing interference and manipulation at every stage of the growing and winemaking process. The goal of a Biodynamic wine is not perfection, but rather to truly and authentically reflect the variety, vintage, place and passion of the people who make it

WINEMAKING | Tribute was fermented with native yeast and went through natural malolactic fermentation in barrels during the winter and spring in our underground caves.  Blended early in its history, Tribute was bottled in July of 2007 after 20 months in French oak barrels (35% new barrels) and bottled unfiltered. The wine was aged for one year in the bottle before release in May of 2008.  Enjoy it now, decanting will add to its enjoyment, but it will continue to develop over the next 8 to 12 years. Tribute will age easily for 15 to 20 years under proper cellaring conditions.

VINTAGE | The 2005 vintage started off wet with a difficult spring. Early summer was warm but in August temperatures turned mild and the weather dry. This combination allowed us the luxury to let our grapes hang on the vine deep into October. This slow summer produced grapes of incredible intensity but with structure and muscle that gives the wine a liveliness on the palate.

AROMA | In 2005, Tribute’s diverse aromas include black berry, nutmeg, plum, black licorice, tar, dark chocolate and a sweet earthiness.

MOUTHFEEL | The wine has a rich but finely textured, chalky entry. The tannins are soft and very polished. There is a wonderful, consistent and velvety grip throughout the entire experience. The finish is long with lingering soft tannins and acids that compliment each other.