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I. Brand & Family is the project of Ian and Heather Brand, built around distinctive vineyards throughout California’s Central Coast. Fellom Ranch has particular significance for Ian, who began his winemaking career in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyard sits above 2,000 feet on Montebello Ridge, sharing a boundary with Ridge’s Monte Bello property. Ian works with north- and east-facing Cabernet blocks planted in 1980 and 1982, where the vines receive more filtered sunlight and grow on a ridge formed from uplifted ancient seabed.
The 2021 is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit was destemmed, gently crushed and fermented with native yeasts, then aged in large-format Austrian and French oak puncheons with light toast. Rich blackcurrant, cherry and bramble fruit are layered with tobacco leaf, bay laurel, cedar and spice. There is plenty of depth, but fresh acidity and supple tannins keep the wine balanced, leading to a long, savory finish.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains, California, United States
Farming: Traditional viticulture
Style: Red. Structured, savory and aromatic
I. Brand & Family is the project of Ian and Heather Brand, built around distinctive vineyards throughout California’s Central Coast. Fellom Ranch has particular significance for Ian, who began his winemaking career in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyard sits above 2,000 feet on Montebello Ridge, sharing a boundary with Ridge’s Monte Bello property. Ian works with north- and east-facing Cabernet blocks planted in 1980 and 1982, where the vines receive more filtered sunlight and grow on a ridge formed from uplifted ancient seabed.
The 2021 is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit was destemmed, gently crushed and fermented with native yeasts, then aged in large-format Austrian and French oak puncheons with light toast. Rich blackcurrant, cherry and bramble fruit are layered with tobacco leaf, bay laurel, cedar and spice. There is plenty of depth, but fresh acidity and supple tannins keep the wine balanced, leading to a long, savory finish.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains, California, United States
Farming: Traditional viticulture
Style: Red. Structured, savory and aromatic
