Native9 - 'Ranchos de Ontiveros' - Cabernet Sauvignon - Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, CA - 2019

@native9wines

Notes from the Winery/Importer

93 points Wine Enthusiast Vineyard: Riata Oaks Farmed By: James Ontiveros Winemaking By: Justin Willett Soils: BbC, Ballard Gravelly Fine Sandy Loam/2-9% Slopes Land Grant: Cañada de los Pinos Clones: 7,15 Stem Inclusion: Destemmed Alcohol by Volume: 14.5% Brix at Harvest: 24 Harvest Date: Bottling Date: Cases Produced (9L): Case Six: 12 pack

Notes on the Producer

Native9 Wine did not arrive by mistake. In 1781, Josef Ontiveros entered California permanently, and helped protect and build the Pueblo of Los Angeles and the Presidio of Santa Barbara. The next two generations, Patricio and Juan Pacifico, turned muskets to plowshares and established the El Cajon de Santa Ana Land Grant with the intention to "raise cattle, breed horses and grow wine" in Orange County CA in the mid-19th Century. Between 1837 and 1855, the Ontiveros ranching families struggled to find water for their stock, and made a family land-swap deal to trade El Cajon de Santa Ana for the Tepesquet Land Grant in Northern Santa Barbara County--a site that now includes Rancho Vinedo and Bien Nacido Vineyards. Nine generations after Josef entered California, after Spanish, Mexican and American ownership of California, James has reclaimed his Californio heritage in his love for horses, cattle, and vineyards. Native9 Wine and Rancho Vinedo Wine served today were made by winemaker Justin Willett, one of only two winemakers in California to achieve a perfect 100 point score for a Chardonnay. Whole cluster fermentation in Pinot Noir and long barrel aging, as well as cellaring, are the norm for us. These are wines of delicacy and perfume, not concentration and extract. Nastive9: Deliberate. Historic. Sublime. Winemaker: Justin Willett*, Tyler and Lieu Dit Owner/Farmer: James Ontiveros, 9th Generation native Californian rancher Brand Ambassador/Wine Educator: Wes Hagen, penned 4 AVAs in SBC wine Winemaking: Elevated ‘natural’ winemaking. Strong focus on craft, balance and stability. No added yeast or ML or SO2 at the crusher, whole-cluster to about 60% on PN. 18 months in elevage for all wines, Pinot Noir grapes are grown organically. Chardonnay: 50 year old, own rooted vines (Wente 72), 18 months in 1/3 new French (Damy) Pinot Noir: 60% whole cluster, clones 2A, Pommard 4. 18 months in 1/3 new French.

Grapes & Style

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most famous structured red grape, born in Bordeaux from Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It became central to the wines of the Médoc and has since traveled almost everywhere, from Napa Valley and Chile to Australia, South Africa, Italy, and beyond.

In the vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon ripens relatively late and needs enough warmth to develop fully. Its small, thick-skinned berries bring deep color, firm tannin, and strong aging potential. In cooler or marginal sites it can taste green and hard; in the right conditions it gives structure, concentration, and a clear sense of authority.

In the glass, Cabernet Sauvignon often shows blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, tobacco, graphite, mint, and savory spice. It’s naturally tannic and often benefits from time, either in barrel or bottle. The best examples aren’t just big — they’re composed, persistent, and built around structure as much as fruit.