2021 Bismark Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

Vineyard Source: Our Bismark Mountain Ranch is high above the city of Sonoma and San Pablo Bay. Here on the southwestern flanks of the Mayacamas Mountains we grow 27 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon amid outcroppings of Rhyolite. We began planting in 1991 and continue to fine tune our mix of cultivars to this day. This is steep ground; shared with Creosote bush, grey pine, coyote, and mountain lion. Topographically it is similar to the Douro. Windy, sun drenched yet moderate in temperature, Bismark grudgingly produces grapes with an intense, deeply concentrated flavor.

Vintage 2021: Winter 2021 was extremely dry and warm, resulting in an extended bud break and bloom. Crop levels were low in 2021 from a combination of weak spring growth, small clusters, and blustery days. Summer was consistently warm and verasion was early. We had moderate heat events through mid- September but nothing damaging. We harvested the grapes for our 2021 Bismark Cab on October 5th, finishing shortly before a massive bomb cyclone (streaming water from three sub-tropical cyclones) dumped over 15 inches of rain on the vineyard.

Winemaking: The grapes for the 2021 Bismark Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon was harvest from October 5, 2021. The grapes were sorted, destemmed and partially crushed to stainless steel fermentation tanks. Pressing was done “to taste,” based on daily tastings of the wines after pumpover. The newly pressed wines were racked to tank and allowed to settle before barreling. The wine was aged on lees for 33 months in 63% new French oak barrels coopered by Bossuet and Colbert

Tasting Notes: A deep crimson in the glass our 2021 Bismark CS is redolent of its lofty provenance, notes of sage, Yerba Santa, and warm stones are balanced by cherry compote and a hint of vanilla. By mouth the fruit comes to the fore with mace, almond and brown butter notes that are framed large with husky tannins that cry for pairing with juicy steak and roasted vegetables. (Tasted 6-20-25)

Variety 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 4% Nero d'Avola, 1% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot

Vineyard Location

Hanna’s Bismark Mountain Ranch Blocks 6, 26, 10, 16

Harvest Dates October 5, 2021

 

Brix at Harvest Average: 28°

Alcohol 14.8%

Titratable Acidity (TA) 0.53 g/100 mL

pH  3.82

Residual Sugar 0.20%

 

Length/Type of Aging
33 months in 60-gallon oak barrels 
63% New French Oak coopered by Colbert and Bossuet 

 

Bottling Date July 2, 2024

Cases Produced: 138