Floral, fierce, and fast as hell.
Born where gritty meets growth, "Petal to the Metal" is a vibrant homage to those who cultivate beauty in the most unexpected places. This wine blooms with reckless abandon, much like wildflowers pushing through concrete. It's a tribute to both raw horsepower and delicate daydreams. This bold statement is bottled for those who appreciate the wild heart of California. It’s a wine for the unconventional, the trailblazers, and anyone who finds strength in the beautiful struggle of growth.
Our Cabernet Pfeffer, the star of this blend, hails entirely from the historic San Benito County AVA. This unique varietal comes from a vineyard planted in the 1980s, benefiting significantly from the region's climate. Tucked between the Gabilan Range and the Santa Lucia Mountains, San Benito enjoys a moderate climate with cooling maritime breezes flowing in from Monterey and the Pacific. These ocean influences create ideal conditions for ripening grapes with freshness, balance, and nuance, allowing the Cabernet Pfeffer to truly express its character. The remaining varietals in this blend—Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Valdiguié, Syrah, and Mourvèdre—are sourced from various other esteemed California vineyards.
Our ultimate aim was to make Cabernet Pfeffer the star of this wine, much like finding that unique voice that defines a rock band. It's an odd grape, bringing a distinct and captivating element to the blend. To add layers of structure and complexity, we used stem inclusion during fermentation, contributing subtle spice notes, a firmer tannic backbone, and an intriguing earthy dimension. The entire production process felt akin to running up an old car engine—a meticulous, hands-on effort to fine-tune every detail and coax out the best from this distinctive grape, ensuring the final wine purrs with power and unique personality.
This red blend is delicately bold and delicious. You'll notice aromas of dark fruit, spices like nutmeg, and floral notes. As you sip, flavors of raspberry, fruit roll-up, fresh vanilla, and ripe Bing cherry emerge, all lifted by a smooth yet bold mouthfeel. It's perfectly balanced and complex, everything a Euro-California wine should be. This wine is also incredibly versatile with food, pairing beautifully with grilled steak with peppercorn sauce, pepperoni pizza with jalapeños, and carnitas.
Petal to the Metal truly stands out, marrying bold California fruit with the subtle complexity of understated European varietals. Like a classic, meticulously restored old car, it runs with a satisfying power, yet reveals intricate details with every turn. And much like a field of resilient wildflowers, its unique character thrives and blossoms, delivering a wine that's both richly satisfying and remarkably versatile.
