Estate Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

The fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested by hand at the peak of ripeness between late September and October, earlier than in past years. The grapes were then destemmed and pressed.

After a warm fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation to soften the mouthfeel. It was then aged for 6 months in 100 percent French oak, 40% of it new, lending complex barrel notes to the finished wine and creating a medium toast level.

The second vintage of our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted predominantly from Butler Ranch, one of our Regenerative Organic Certified estate vineyards in Mendocino County. Extreme elevation and rare Redvine soils make this mountain site ideal for growing well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon with rich layers of flavor. Fruit from Blue Heron Vineyard’s single Cabernet Sauvignon block was also incorporated. This lower elevation riverside vineyard is named for the many generations of great blue herons that have nested in the vineyard’s protected oak grove.

The 2022 growing season in Mendocino County was characterized by lower-than-average rainfall in the winter and spring, and characteristically high temperatures throughout the summer. Early rain and temperature dips and spikes in September contributed to a complex harvest season. The resulting Cabernet Sauvignon fruit delivered depth and complexity in the glass.

What is the difference between "Organic Wine" and wine "Made with Organic Grapes"?

The grapes we grow that go into wines we label as “made with organic grapes” are held to the same standards as grapes used to make “organic wines”. The only difference between the two categories is a decision to add a small amount of sulfur at the final stage of wine fermentation. Sulfur is a naturally occurring compound used to end fermentation, this ensures the wine does not continue to ferment after it is bottled.

Our Bonterra Estate wine is “made with organic grapes”, which means that USDA regulations allow us to use a small amount of sulfur to stabilize the wine just before it is bottled, ensuring a consistent, high-quality product every time. The sulfur we choose to add to our wines regularly falls below the regulated amount.

Regulations for “organic wine” do not permit use of any added sulfur. Because organic wine has no added sulfur/sulfites, it is often less consistent in taste and flavor and it ages poorly.

Are there sulfites in Bonterra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon wine?

Our winemakers have made the decision to use a limited amount of sulfites in our wines to ensure that the wine you open is the same quality as it was when we bottled it, so we label our wines as ‘made with organic grapes.’

The USDA’s “made with organic grapes” certification allows a maximum of 100ppm of sulfites in wines made with organic grapes – that’s less than 1/3 of the amount of sulfites conventional wines are allowed. The average total sulfites for Bonterra wines are between 70 to 90ppm.

The “organic wine” regulations do not permit use of any added sulfur. Because organic wine has no added sulfur/sulfites, it is often less consistent in taste and flavor and it ages poorly.

We recommend that you contact your physician regarding specific health concerns.

Do organic wines contain sulfur?

Yes, virtually every wine contains sulfur, including organic wines. Sulfur occurs naturally during winemaking as a by-product of fermentation.

Sulfur is used in winemaking to stop fermentation, so the wine does not continue to ferment once it is bottled. Our wine is “made with organic grapes”, which means that USDA regulations allow us to use a small amount of sulfur to stabilize the wine just before it is bottled. The sulfur we choose to add to our wines regularly falls below the regulated amount.

Does Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon red wine contain glyphosate?

We actively avoid glyphosate. It is not used in our estate vineyards, nor in partner vineyards we source from.

WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/BPA.