Benitoite is the state gem of California and found only in one remote mine in San Benito County hence the gem name. It is extremely rare, much like the iconic grape variety Cabernet Pfeffer is grown only in San Benito county vineyards. This wine is a varietal ode to the “holy trinity” Cabernet Pfeffer, Negrette, and Zinfandel which played all have played an important historic and current role in San Benito viticulture and includes the 120 year old vines of Gimelli (aka El Gabilan) Cabernet Pfeffer and Wirz Zinfandel.

Vineyards

Siletto Vineyard, San Benito County (Cabernet Pfeffer, Negrette)

Gimelli Vineyard, Cienega Valley (Cabernet Pfeffer, Zinfandel)

Wirz Vineyard, Cienega Valley (Zinfandel)

Winemaking

The grapes were picked by hand in six separate pick dates. Each lot was fermented separately, to a varying level of whole cluster and destemmed fermenter lots. Every lot fermented in redwood from 9 to 17 days total, once to twice daily pumpopvers. In total about two thirds of the fermentations for this lot were fermented whole cluster. Post fermentation pressing to settling tank before racking into barrels. The wine was sulfured post completion of secondary fermentation with elevage in barrels on fine lees. Racked off fine lees a month prior to bottling and blended. Unfined and unfiltered. 26 ppm Total SO2 at bottling. Bottled March 3, 2024. 416 cases produced.

Wine Stats

Varietal Composition: Cabernet Pfeffer Cabernet Pfeffer (46%), Zinfandel (31%) Negrette (23%)

Brix at harvest: 22.5 / 25.0 / 22.5       

Titratable Acidity: 6.8 g/L        

pH: 3.61                           

Residual Sugar: 0.0 g/L              

Alcohol: 13.5%                                            

Fining: none