wines
Tribute
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot
4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot
Sonoma Mountain Estate
V. 2004
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Technical Information
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 highest form of organic farming in the world. It goes beyond the elimination of chemicals to represent a complete and wholistic system of agriculture that views the farm as a living 1883 London Ranch Road | Glen Ellen, CA www.benziger.com/tribute | (800) 989-8890 organism intimately connected with its environment. 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 malolactic fermentation in barrels during the winter in our underground caves. Blended early in its history, Tribute was bottled in May of 2006 after 18 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 - July of 2007. Enjoy it now (decanting will add to its enjoyment) but it will continue to develop over the next 6 to 10 years. It will easily age for 15 to 20 years under proper cellaring conditions.
Vintage
The 2004 vintage was one of the quickest, shortest and smallest vintages in many years. It started early and ended early. The growing season was uniformly warm and dry. The resulting wines have good concentration, beautiful aromas and are well structured.
Aroma
The wine's aroma is focused on cedar, black cherry, nutmeg, black olive, tobacco, licorice, smoke and a wonderful earthiness.
Mouthfeel
This wine has a beautiful rich textured entry. Soft, fine grain tannins provide a consistent velvety grip throughout the experience. It is well balanced and well integrated. Concentration and structure provide an interesting contrast. The finish is very long with lingering flavors of berry, bittersweet chocolate and spiciness.
Biodynamic Certification
Demeter is the third party certifier of traditional Biodynamic practices and the oldest such agency in the United States. Certification, the ultimate guarantee of tradition and purity in the production of agricultural products, is extremely difficult to achieve and must be renewed annually. Only wineries that have achieved the rigorous certification from Demeter can make any reference to Biodynamic practices and the certification will be marked with the Demeter logo. For more information on the certification process, visit demeter-usa.org