Tribute is a first of its kind. Made entirely from estate-grown grapes, this Bordeaux blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon reveals the complexity and individuality of the Benziger family Sonoma Mountain estate. The first Demeter-certified Biodynamic® wine from Sonoma County and one of the first from North America, Tribute is now in its fifth vintage.
The 2005 vintage started off wet and led into a challenging spring. Early summer was warm, but in August temperatures turned mild and the weather dry, allowing the grapes to hang on the vine well into October. This extended summer produced grapes of incredible intensity, but with the structure and muscle that creates liveliness on the palate. Aroma: Diverse, yet complementary aromas include blackberry, nutmeg, plum, black licorice, tar, dark chocolate and a sweet earthiness. Mouthfeel: The wine has a rich, but finely textured entry. Its tannins are soft and polished. With each sip, the wine holds the palate in a velvety grip. The finish is long, with lingering soft tannins and acids in complete harmony.
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"Loamy earth, mineral, sage and dusty berry and cherry fruit give this its core flavors. Intense and balanced, this retains its minerally quality, ending with a touch of herb and graphite. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2010 through 2016. 2,198 cases made. –JL" -Rated 87, Wine Spectator
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"Softly lush, complex in flavor, this Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend impresses with power and authority. Thoroughly dry and firm in tannins, it shows classic flavors of black currants and cedar, with intricate notes of cherries, violets, tobacco, mocha and beef jerky. Beautiful now, and should develop for a decade. — S.H. (12/31/2008)" -Rated 94, Wine Enthusiast
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" Deep ruby-red. Complex nose melds currant, black cherry, tobacco, loam and a whiff of flowers. Supple and moderately sweet, with good lift and definition to its flavors of currant, tobacco, smoke and herbs. Rather claret-like, but more in a Right Bank way. Finishes with fairly serious dusty tannins and good lift. Spreads out nicely on the back." -Rated 89, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
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"75% Cabernet Sauvignon; 19% Cabernet Franc; 3% Merlot; 3% Malbec. Mildly herbal and long on oak with hints of freshly roasted coffee overlying its aromas of cassis, this supple offering leads with ripe, oak-sweetened flavors and shows a slight bias to softness. While attractive to start, it drifts to dryness and is presently cut a bit short by tannin and heat at the finish. Set it aside for four to six years." -Rated 88, Connoisseur's Guide to California Wines
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