2021 Love on Mars Cabernet Sauvignon
Love on Mars is a rich, opulent, glam-rock expression of Cabernet, inspired by David Bowie’s genius. It has only been made 3 times: 2018, 2019 and 2021.
The 2021 vintage was superb. Although there were some wildfires—demanding vigilance from producers—for the most part the 2021 growing season was one of the easiest in years. It began with a dry, cold winter. Spring sprung in a blush of heat that prompted a burst of vigorous vine growth leading to a successful budburst and flowering. Moderate summer temperatures coddled the berries, helping to offset drought conditions that cut into yields. Although quantities were smaller than usual, the quality of the fruit was superb. The water scarcity and long growing season concentrated the phenolics in the grapes while retaining crucial aromatics and acidity. Meanwhile 2021’s respite from fierce heat naturally dialed down alcohol levels a tad.
Half of the grapes were sourced from the Nimble Vineyard (all mountain fruit) in Dry Creek, and the other half from the Grable Vineyard in Knights Valley. The mountain fruit gives the wine a richness, intensity and a firm backbone that complements the nuanced, delicate fruit that the Nimble Vineyard fruit provides.
