Table of Contents
The Federalist Ben Franklin Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a wine I found for $10.99 and the prices on the internet range from $10 to $20. This wine is over 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Sirah, and Sangiovese added.
This is a brand from Terlato WInes which is the company that made Pinot Grigio exceptionally famous in the US. The Federalist Ben Franklin Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is produced for them by an unnamed winery in the Lodi AVA. This is a special edition bottle with an American Flag and Ben Franklin on the label, just in time for the 4th of July.
I am a fan of value-priced wines from Lodi, there seems to be a consistent bang-for-the-buck quotient happening with the Lodi wineries. Value-priced Cabernet Sauvignon has been especially good in recent years.
The various lots of grapes were fermented separately and then blended to taste. The grape skins were left with the juice for 18 days which brings out a rich color along with all the goodness the grapes have to offer. In contrast, Rosé wines have skin contact for a few hour hours, just enough to get the desired shade of pink.
The Federalist Ben Franklin Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 was aged in oak barrels for 15 months with 35% new oak barrels and the rest used barrels. It is something of a complicated math formula for the proper amount of new and used oak to achieve the right balance.
The production notes are not exceptionally detailed but the production methods used seem to be consistent with a Cab selling at a higher price point. The alcohol content is 14.3%.
The Federalist Ben Franklin Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Tasting Notes
The color is black cherry red, dark but still see-thru. The nose is ripe blackberry, spice, some herbs, licorice, black pepper, dark chocolate, toasty vanilla, and plum. The Federalist Ben Franklin Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a ripe, juicy Cab Sauvignon, a solid sipper or perfect with food cooked on the BBQ grill.
This Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like ripe, juicy blackberry, a slap of spice, licorice, dark chocolate, toasted vanilla, and blueberry. The mid-palate raspberry, a slight pull from the dusty tannins, tart, slightly sour cranberry, and black cherry.
The acidity is well controlled and the tannins add to the flavor profile.
The Summary
- The Federalist Ben Franklin Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is an excellent wine to pair with a BBQ or to simply enjoy while shooting the breeze sitting around the fire pit.
- If you like your Cab Sauc juicy and full of flavor this is an excellent wine to try.
