Sourced from the 45 year old Wheeler Ranch, this old vine Cabernet Sauvignon grows in alluvial deposits over the San Benito Arroyo. Warm days and cool nights typical of the Central coast allow to pick at high acidity with moderate sugars providing the backbone of a luscious mid to full bodied wine with low alcohol. Dark black fruit, purple violet and a touch of dried herbs tantalize the nose and dance on the palate. The unique combination of volcanic soil, warm days and cool nights create this uncommonly structured, ripe, fresh and minerally driven wine.
Pairs well with steak, duck, game, hearty stews, ribs, and dark, rich sauces.
"This is a great example of Cab done in a more classical style, utilizing old vines for their aromatic and flavor range while remaining light on its toes. Aromas of crunchy blackberry, pepper and crushed wet stone lead into an energetic palate of black plum, chaparral spice and cracked pepper. - MATT KETTMANN"
- Wine Enthusiast (September 2021), 91 pts
"From a secret selection of old vines, Ian Brand delivers aromas of dried blackberry, leather, cocoa and a touch of lavender on the very dry nose. The palate is tightly wound with tannins and a rocky minerality, offering flavors of black currant, pastry and coffee bean. - Matt KETTMANN."
- Wine Enthusiast (October 1st 2020), 92 pts
"Warm aromas of baked red cherry and caramel grow more complex due to a gravelly minerality and hints of peppercorns on the nose of this bottling by Ian Brand. The palate leads with oregano and pepper, those spices overwhelming the fruit, and the rocky minerality continues, leading into a cocoa-laced finish. It is a lithe and lively style of Cab."
- Wine Enthusiast (June 2018), 91 pts - Editors' Choice
Ian and Heather Brand founded I Brand Family Wines in Central Coast California in 2008. Ian’s first winery job was with Bonny Doon Winery; he then went to work for ...
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