2013 Sherwin Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon – A Patriotic Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Steve & Linda Sherwin purchased 30 acres on top of Spring Mountain in 1996. In late 1999, Sherwin Family Vineyards released its first wine. Shortly after September 11th, 2001, the infamous terrorist attacks, a wine auction was arranged in Lake Garda, Italy. The proceeds of the auction benefited the families of the Windows of the World employees who had been lost. Many wineries from Napa and Italy donated magnums of wine to the commemorative event.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Steve & Linda created a special designed bottle for the occasion, a hand etched, hand painted bottle features the American flag with the words “In God We Trust” and “United We Stand”. On the back of the bottle, it also stated it was created “in remembrance of those lost September 11th, 2001”. It along with the famous 1985 Sassacaia, was among the top lots in the entire auction.
They wanted to donate more of these attractive bottles to raise additional money for the cause. But due to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms they needed label approval. A little known fact is that the Wine Institute told them that the “government would not approve the image of the American flag on alcohol or tobacco products”. Steve still sent a bottle along and to everyone’s amazement, it was stamped approved!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Since then, the Sherwin Family Vineyards produces a limited number of the commemorative American flag bottles for various charitable events. Thus, how they received their motto – Home of the Patriotic Pour!
Now about their other wines. Currently they offer a Rosé, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc for the whites. For their reds they have their Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and a great marketing name (in my opinion) Cellar Scraps. Cellar Scraps are various blends being offered. Scraps is hardly the “correct wording” as they run from $85 to $185! Creative offers for sure. Their current Cabernet Sauvignon is 2022 and goes for $175/bottle and the Reserve is listed at $225/bottle. I have tasted their Cellar Scraps and Cabernet Sauvignon’s back in 2017.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Opened this wine two nights ago. The 2013 Estate Cabernet is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. This wine was purchased in 2017. It is a beautiful dark color on the eyes. Delightful aromas of blueberries and dark fruits greet the imbiber. On the palate, quintessential mountain fruit swirls in the mouth. The aforementioned berries along with mocha provide for easy drinking wine. It finishes with smooth, silky soft & round tannins. When I purchased the wine, I had it inventoried to hold for 8-10 years. It came up on my “to drink list for 2025”. They produced 800 cases, and the Spring Mountain fruit is robust and full. Wine Spectator rated it 94 points and it was under rated in my opinion.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Home of the Patriotic Pour is a fascinating story, and their heartfelt wines are even more enjoyable.
Slainte,
Michael