2021 Gundlach Bundschu Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2021 Gundlach Bundschu Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Valley exemplifies the winery’s commitment to producing wines that reflect their unique terroir and meticulous winemaking practices.

Tasting Notes

• Aromas: Enticing scents of black currant, a medley of blackberries, cocoa nibs, and a subtle hint of graham cracker.
• Flavors: The palate reveals concentrated flavors of black currant and blackberries, complemented by notes of cocoa nibs and graham cracker.
• Texture: This wine is acid-driven with a substantial tannin structure, imparting a dusty and earthy texture that enhances its depth and complexity.

Food Pairings

The 2021 Gundlach Bundschu Cabernet Sauvignon’s robust profile makes it a versatile companion for various dishes. Consider pairing it with:

• Sweet and Spicy Cuisine: Dishes like Korean short ribs, where the sweetness and spice harmonize with the wine’s rich fruit and tannic structure.
• Cheese and Fruit Platters: A selection of dried Jack cheese accompanied by fresh cherries, enhancing the wine’s fruit-forward notes.

Vineyard Technical Specifications

• Appellation: Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California.
• Vineyard Source: Primarily sourced from the family’s Estate Vineyard on the southwest slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, featuring steep, southwest-facing hillsides with shallow, rocky soils of volcanic ash and alluvial wash.
• Blend Composition: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec.
• Harvest: The 2021 vintage experienced low yields with exceptional quality due to severe drought conditions. Harvest began in early September and concluded in mid-October.
• Fermentation: Hand-harvested in the cool morning hours, followed by twice-daily pump-overs, indigenous malolactic fermentation, and weekly bâtonnage for four months to enhance texture and complexity.
• Aging: Aged for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels, with 50% being new oak, contributing to the wine’s structure and subtle oak nuances.
• Alcohol Content: 14.5% by volume.
• pH Level: 3.71.
• Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L.
• Production: 7,500 cases produced.

This vintage is noted for its age-worthiness, with the potential to develop further complexity over the next 10 to 15 years, making it an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.