Biodynamic, Single Vineyard ‘The McNab’ 2017
One of the original Biodynamic® vineyards planted in the United States, McNab Ranch is the agricultural heart of Bonterra Organic Vineyards. A century after its beginnings as a sheep ranch, the protected site nestled in a box canyon was transformed into a world-class winegrowing estate renowned for its elegant integration of grapevines into the surrounding natural habitat’s rhythms and wildlife.
This Bordeaux-style blend is centered on Cabernet Sauvignon, with Petite Sirah lending additional depth and nuance. The wine has a brilliant, deep red hue and opens with an appealing chorus of blackcurrant, fig, and dark chocolate aromas followed by notions of graphite on the nose. Firm though fine-grained tannins frame a generous mid-palate that leads to energetic flavors of cassis, toast, Portobello, and subtle minerality. Suggestions of tobacco and anise harmonize on a lingering finish.
VARIETAL CONTENT:
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Petite Sirah
Age of vines: 17-40 years
McNab Ranch is Bonterra’s home, so it’s important to us that this wine is the best representation of the high standards we have for quality. It’s impossible not to be impressed by the natural beauty of this ranch, so we try to make a wine to honor this.
Jeff Cichocki, Winemaker
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Testimonial
McNab Ranch is Bonterra’s home, so it’s important to us that this wine is the best representation of the high standards we have for quality. It’s impossible not to be impressed by the natural beauty of this ranch, so we try to make a wine to honor this.
Jeff Cichocki, Winemaker
Awards
James Suckling, December 2020
Fresh and earthy nose of prune, cocoa butter and walnut. It’s medium-bodied with silky tannins. Ripe and dried-fruit flavors, yet fresh and juicy, with chocolate on the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Why wait? Drink now.
Wine Enthusiast, December 2019 Issue
Drenched with blackberry and blueberry flavors, this full-bodied Bordeaux-style red blend adds baking spices and chocolate to the mix for an approach that’s hard not to like. It’s made from biodynamic grapes from a single vineyard. —Jim Gordon
Wine Enthusiast, April 2019 Issue
This square-jawed wine is big, powerful and just a bit rough around the edges. An aromatic blast of oak, tobacco and cedar on the nose is followed by ripe focused black-cherry flavors and integrated oak along with firm chunky tannins on the palate. It should make a great match with a steak or roast. —Jim Gordon
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Awards
93 Points, 2016 Vintage
James Suckling, December 2020
Fresh and earthy nose of prune, cocoa butter and walnut. It’s medium-bodied with silky tannins. Ripe and dried-fruit flavors, yet fresh and juicy, with chocolate on the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Why wait? Drink now.92 Points, 2016 VintageWine Enthusiast, December 2019 Issue
Drenched with blackberry and blueberry flavors, this full-bodied Bordeaux-style red blend adds baking spices and chocolate to the mix for an approach that’s hard not to like. It’s made from biodynamic grapes from a single vineyard. —Jim Gordon
91 Points, 2014 VintageWine Enthusiast, April 2019 Issue
This square-jawed wine is big, powerful and just a bit rough around the edges. An aromatic blast of oak, tobacco and cedar on the nose is followed by ripe focused black-cherry flavors and integrated oak along with firm chunky tannins on the palate. It should make a great match with a steak or roast. —Jim Gordon
