Siletto Vineyard, San Benito, CA

This alluring wine possesses a surprisingly light lifted body, countered by prominent tannins and floral, dried petal and herb aromatics. Bright red fruit, cherries and spice, dried rosemary, soft leather and white pepper weave together along a spine of vibrant acidity.

Few varietals we craft into wine have more mystery than Cabernet Pfeffer, which contrary to the stories we have both enjoyed and propagated, is not the result of Cabernet Sauvignon and Trousseau spending time in the nursery. We do believe in science and UC Davis confidently claims, “Mourtaou is an old cultivar from the Bordeaux region of France. There are small plantings of the variety in California under the name Cabernet Pfeffer. This variety is not related to Cabernet Sauvignon or Trousseau.”

While we believe in DNA we also cherish the art of storytelling and will continue to call our wine Cabernet Pfeffer in tribute to the first story we heard, that conjured images of James Dean while considering how this obscure little grape journeyed from Southwest France to San Benito’s Cienega Valley via William Pfeffer - a late 19th Century orchardist and winemaker in Los Altos. As if that weren’t enough, we also love this varietal for its bright acidity and structure, heady perfumed aromatics, and notes of white pepper.