2006 Montesquieu Winery Tichenor Cabernet Sauvignon

Montesquieu Winery is part of the Montesquieu wine group, a California-based negociant and importer that produces wines under its own label and custom labels. Montesquieu takes its name from the influential French Enlightenment-era statesman and political philosopher Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu. Besides being known for his political tracts, he was a life-long wine connoisseur, and is often credited with being the first to identify the Cabernet Sauvignon grape in the early 18th century. Montesquieu the wine group works as a negociant with small producers in the U.S. and around the world, importing artisanal wines from Europe, South America and South Africa, and creating private label wines for small West Coast producers.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.