VINEYARD: Our 2006 Oonapais is a Demeter-certified Biodynamic® wine produced entirely from the Benziger Family Estate, nestled into the side of Sonoma Mountain. The Sonoma Mountain appellation is one of thesmallest and most exclusive appellations in California. The Native Americans who first lived in the area were intimately familiar with the land and its diversity of sun exposures and soil types. They called it “Oonapais” after the Buckeye trees found on Sonoma Mountain.

VINTAGE: The 2006 vintage was truly a year won in the vineyard. A record 10 day heat spike in July had growers nervous about sunburn on the ripening grapes. Then came the rains, which sent us rushing to
leaf the vines, allowing sunshine and air to reach the clusters. Botrytis was a threat for a time, especially to Chardonnay. But late October saw a change in the weather and a change in our expectations for the vintage. The rains stopped and the climate warmed, giving grapes the time on the vines needed to reach full maturation. Overall, it was a late harvest of excellent quality fruit.

WINEMAKING: Oonapais showcases the diverse and healthy environment in and around the Benziger Family Estate. In 2006 the blend is made up of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Petit Verdot. 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 14 months in French oak - about 30% of the barrels were brand new - and bottled in July of 2008.

VINEYARD CERTIFICATION: certified Biodynamic®by Demeter