2021 Love On Mars Cabernet Sauvignon

The Wine: David Bowie was an artist whose talent and genius moved and inspired me. Years ago, while earning money as a beer vendor to pay for college, I worked a Bowie concert at RFK Stadium; afterward, the artist treated me and my buddy (and many others) to a BBQ dinner. Love on Mars is an homage to Bowie’s genius and generosity…which, after all, is a Glam-Rock expression of cabernet!

Love on Mars is a micro-selection of barrels of premium Cabernet Sauvignon that aged differently than the others. After exhaustive sampling and blending, we found 20 barrels that developed a bit quicker and more opulently than the others. It is one of the mysteries of wine-making: same wine, same barrels, same everything...different wine.

Only 500 cases are produced, so enjoy it while you can!

Vintage: The 2021 vintage was superb. Although there were some wildfires – and producers had to be vigilant – for the most part, the 2021 growing season was one of the easiest in years.

The growing season began with a dry, cold winter, however, Spring saw temperatures quickly rise prompting a burst of vigorous vine growth leading to a successful budburst and flowering.

Temperatures throughout the summer months remained moderate – although a lack of rain began to augment the issues of the drought which did cut yields. Although quantities were smaller than usual, the quality of the fruit was superb. The water scarcity and long growing season had concentrated the phenolics in the grapes while retaining crucial aromatics and acidity. Naturally, in years without the fierce heat, alcohol is likely to be lower than usual.

Technical Notes:

  • Vineyard Sources: Aunt Cathy’s (Dry Creek), Nimble (Dry Creek)

  • Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, all the fruit from Sonoma

  • Harvest Dates: Oct 5-Oct 26

  • Barrel Aging: 22 months, all French oak though only 20% were new.

  • Food Pairing: Any good cut of beef, simply grilled with savory herbs, would be an ideal accompaniment. Steak, lamb….