2021 Stirm 'Benitoite' Red Blend San Benito County

Winemaker Notes: Benitoite is the state gem of California and found only in one remote mine in San Benito County hence the gem name. It is extremely rare, much like the iconic grape variety Cabernet Pfeffer is grown only in San Benito county vineyards. This wine is a varietal ode to the “holy trinity” Cabernet Pfeffer, Negrette, and Zinfandel which played all have played an important historic and current role in San Benito viticulture and includes the 120 year old vines of Gimelli (aka El Gabilan) Cabernet Pfeffer and Wirz Zinfandel.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Wine Enthusiast - "This fascinating blend of 51% Cabernet Pfeffer, 31% Zinfandel and 18% Negrette, which is named after California's state gem, offers lovely aromas of red spice, pomegranate, wet earth and rose petals on the complex nose. The palate is both juicy and mineral driven, balancing flavors of red fruit, pepper and crushed rocks."