2021 Mettler Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from three sub-AVAs of Lodi: Jahant—cool and dry with pink Rocklin-Jahant loam;Clements Hills—warmer and wetter with rolling hills; and Mokelumne River—the historical center of Lodi with sandy soils. For each vineyard, the planting and trellis systems were customized for each specific vineyard site. The vineyards are certified sustainable through the Lodi Rules program. 14% alcohol.

One of the best values in California Cab! Aromas of tart cherry on the front with notes of ripe blackberry on the finish. Toasted spices, like coriander can be detected as well as nutmeg. The French oak lends a nice addition of warm vanilla. Tannins are balanced and smooth. Inviting aromas of dark cherry, cola, cedar, mineral, and earth followed by a graceful mingling of cherry, cranberry and sweet oak flavors with a whisper of vanilla. On the palate, the rich mouthfeel is moderated by juicy acidity, and the long finish is reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux. This elegant and poised Cabernet is accessible now, and its structure and complexity will see it through many years of aging.

The Mettler family has been growing wine grapes for eight generations, originally in Alsace. They have been growing in Lodi for six generations now and were one of the first families to introduce French varietals to the region. They still farm some of their original family properties which date back to the late 1800’s. The vineyards are certified sustainable through the “Lodi Rules” certification process. The Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing is California’s first 3rd party-certified sustainable winegrowing program. It promotes practices that enhance biodiversity, soil and water health, community and employee well-being, while meeting our needs today without compromising the needs of future generations. They became CCOF certified organic in 2010. 

94 points, Wine Enthusiast. "This wine is deep, hues of garnet magenta with aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, dried chicory, violet and cracked white pepper. The flavors on the palate are bramble black cherry, black plum, molasses, woven with dried tobacco leaf, mocha, vanilla spice and a long supple finish."