Birichino : Peter Martin Ray Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the Peter Martin Ray Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 by Birichino

Tasting

Appearance
The nose reveals generous aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant, subtly sprinkled with bitter cocoa and warm fudge.

Palate
On the palate, this wine unveils a complex structure and beautiful density, accompanied by woody spices and fresh herbs that will harmonize over time.

Food and Wine Pairing

This cabernet sauvignon pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, especially beef and venison, thanks to its tannic structure and intense fruity aromas.

Service and Aging

This wine is ideally enjoyed at a temperature of 16 to 18°C and can be cellared until around 2035.

A cabernet sauvignon from the Santa Cruz Mountains with complex aromas and remarkable structure

The Estate

Established in 2008 by Alex Krause and John Locke, former collaborators of Randall Grahm at Bonny Doon, Birichino operates historic vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. The co-founder-owners work with century-old family plots, favoring a minimalist winemaking approach with indigenous fermentations. Their Italian name meaning "mischievous" reflects their innovative approach, seeking balance rather than power, in a fresh and aromatic style.

The Vineyard

The Peter Martin Ray Vineyard is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA at a high altitude. This historic vineyard, with cabernet planted in the 1950s from cuttings from Château Margaux, thrives on clay shale soils under a warm Mediterranean climate. The vines, grown sustainably without irrigation, benefit from low planting density and produce limited yields.

Winemaking and Aging

Manual harvesting precedes vinification with indigenous yeasts after complete destemming. Alcoholic fermentation lasts 22 days, followed by 21 months of aging in French oak barrels, 20% of which are new wood. This limited production of only 3 barrels is neither filtered nor fined.

Grape Variety

100% cabernet sauvignon.