2019 Onesta Cinsault, Bechthold Vineyard, Lodi, California
Tasting Notes
The stylistic expression of the Bechthold vineyard Cinsault is greatly affected by Mother Nature. Some years, Mother Nature delivers cooler temperatures, and the wine is more “Pinot-like”. In warmer vintages, the wine style leans more towards a bold Zinfandel. The 2019 vintage is more Pinot-like, packed with many red and blue fruit flavors and an elegant tannin profile. Think juicy red plum, dark cherry, and crisp blueberry with hints of vanilla. The wine is very food-friendly and an excellent choice to serve at the Thanksgiving feast.
Vineyard Notes
The Bechthold vineyard is the oldest vineyard in the Lodi region, planted in 1886. It is the oldest Cinsault vineyard in the world! The old vines are head-trained, organically grown, and dry farmed. Jillian was introduced to this vineyard in 2001 and has been working with the fruit ever since. The Onesta block is on the east side of the vineyard where the vines produce the most concentrated fruit in the whole vineyard.
Cinsault (San-soh) is a high-yielding, early-ripening, hot-weather red grape, generally used in blends. Cinsault tends to be low in tannin and is often added to blends to add a spicy component. Among the grape’s claim to fame is being half the genetic cross (along with Pinot noir) behind the South African Pinotage grape. Cinsault came to California in the 1860s, but total planting remains under 1000 acres.
Vinification
100% old vine Cinsault from the famous Bechthold Vineyard in Lodi. The perfect recipe involves gentle handling, saignée, cold soak, raging fermentation, extended maceration, and 18 months of aging in neutral French oak barrels.
Specs
Varietal: 100% Cinsault
Appellation: Lodi
Alcohol: 14.7%
TA: 5.8 g/L
pH: 3.7
RS: 0.2 g/L (dry)
What’s Included
3-bottles:
3x 2019 Onesta Cinsault, Bechthold Vineyard, Lodi, California Case:
12x 2019 Onesta Cinsault, Bechthold Vineyard, Lodi, California
Jillian found her passion for wine while studying neurobiology at UC Davis. Home brewing introduced her to the magic of fermentation, and after taking the “Introductory to Winemaking” class at UC Davis, she quickly switched her major to Viticulture and Enology. She graduated with her degree in 2001 and soon thereafter found herself as an intern at the famous Bonny Doon Winery.
Her desire to learn more about winemaking has taken her around the globe. To gain essential winemaking experience in a short time, Jillian traveled to the southern hemisphere to work an additional harvest each year. For three years she traveled south to learn how to work with different varieties and observe different winemaking styles. She did internships in McLaren Vale (South Australia), Margaret River (Western Australia), and Stellenbosch (South Africa).
Syrah quickly became her deepest passion and she returned to Bonny Doon as Associate Winemaker in 2005, focusing her talents on the Rhone varieties that the Dooner is known for. She played a major role in the transition to biodynamic winemaking at Bonny Doon. Now a truly seasoned winemaker, Jillian has started her own passion project, Onesta. Her artistic expression is manifested in her wines. Jillian’s wines speak the truth of each growing season and each vintage is a new adventure for her, riding the waves of Mother Nature. Her promise to herself and her customers is to deliver wines with personality and depth every year. Jillian’s wines are made with passion and love, just like she lives her life. Her hope is that every sip of Onesta will ignite the soul with passion and enthusiasm for living life to the fullest.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Always a pleasure to get a missive from Alice, and the ensuing package was no disappointment: A Casemates N.V. Glass in the 2024 offering! I’ve been a fan of this glass since it was first offered six years ago, and I couldn’t resist dragging out a vintage glass – and, to be honest, I couldn’t tell the difference. These will age forever.
Straight from the carton, the glass exhibited a marvelous clarity and not a single defect in nose or taste. Unfortunately, little can be found on the details of this glass’s production – but it was plainly de-stemmed before pressing.
While pleasant enough on its own, I felt that the glass still needed a certain je ne sais quoi to help it along, and so I thought I might try pairing it – and the first thing I came across was a bottle of 2019 Onesta Cinsault.
It was an ideal match. The wine brought out dark red shades of color that the plain glass kept concealed, as well as aromas of dark cherries or berries. Brambly, zippy berries at first taste, mellowing out into a more cherry-like flavor with light tannins throughout. Paired well with salted and peppered peanuts, then with roast chicken, then with leftover roast chicken salad for lunch. A truly versatile glass that will have to be shoehorned into my cabinet.
A really, really tasty local favorite that has flown under my radar.
@rpstrong Excellent review! - Did you notice any tendencies on inside textures regarding proper quantification of “legginess” or inhibition of blue spectrum light?
The 2019 Onesta Cinsault begins with a very pleasant and very complex aroma of strawberry, black cherry, red licorice, spice, mint and a hint of rhubarb. Harmonious right from the start, the aroma continues to blossom over the course of a couple hours so don’t be afraid to give it some time to breathe.
Tasting reveals a smooth, medium-bodied wine, a bit like Pinot Noir (which you wouldn’t really expect from the dark color). In the mouth it features similar fruit flavors to the nose with a bit of cranberry as well. The wine is also quite juicy when tasting and has very well integrated spice.
All of that sounds good enough but this wine also has an incredible depth of flavor, complexity, structure and even a bit of lively minerality that can only come from these very old vines. Frankly words don’t do it justice.
It ends very long and dry with an absolutely delicious finish full of lingering flavors and spice, tempting you to take another sip. After about 4 hours it’s really singing. My goodness, I love this wine. link to the rws offer
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2019 Onesta Cinsault - $70 = 26.92%
Thanks for the rat! Brought this bottle to a friend’s house for a homemade pizza party. Here are initial notes from the group:
Smells like dates
Fresh raspberry leaf
Dried plum
Bright berry
Looks like Merlot
A little orange in color
Low tannin
Spice at the end
“Chuggable”
Great for a table wine or to bring to a party.
Good with pizza- better with it! Went well with crust (friend is a professional baker)
Not super layered
Very little to no legs
We each had a glass and they didn’t last long. One of my friend’s commented, “most wine is a bit hard for me to drink, specially quickly. This one is a little too easy to drink!” Saved a sip for day 2 (yesterday) but left it at my friend’s house. He said it was about the same day 2. Looking at this price, I wouldn’t buy a case as I’m moving. But if you’re looking for something to bring to a bunch of spring parties or summer barbecues, this would be worth a purchase for sure!
Jillian Johnson + Onesta + Cinsault = no brainer…in for a case.
Have verticals starting from 2013 and EVERY time I open one, it is a smashing hit. The history alone let alone Jillian’s vast experience makes for a superb story while sipping away with friends. Don’t pass it up…
I’ve always enjoyed this wine, and after a few cases, I’m going to pass, as my space, and budget need some relaxation, and I’m looking for new adventures, ready for the altogether unexpected. Something kind but not too gentle. Something gentle but not too nice.
I always buy a case of this when it comes up (even though I’m still working on the 2015, 2017, and a previous case of the 2019).
/giphy awry-eminent-wire
My logic goes like this. I have 9 bottles remaining in Casa North after giving 3 away as Christmas gifts.
ETA is Valentines Day. My kids will be here with us in Casa South so we will drink some, store some and bring any remaining back North when we leave.
Onesta Cinsault has become a true family favorite so no worries about getting old and undrinkable.
2019 Onesta Cinsault, Bechthold Vineyard, Lodi, California
Tasting Notes
Vineyard Notes
Vinification
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$480.00/Case for 12x 2019 Onesta Cinsault, Bechthold Vineyard, Lodi, California at Onesta Wines
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Feb 12 - Tuesday, Feb 13
2019 Onesta Cinsault
3 bottles for $64.99 $21.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $189.99 $15.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Previous 2023-10-28 offer, notes and such…
Always a pleasure to get a missive from Alice, and the ensuing package was no disappointment: A Casemates N.V. Glass in the 2024 offering! I’ve been a fan of this glass since it was first offered six years ago, and I couldn’t resist dragging out a vintage glass – and, to be honest, I couldn’t tell the difference. These will age forever.
Straight from the carton, the glass exhibited a marvelous clarity and not a single defect in nose or taste. Unfortunately, little can be found on the details of this glass’s production – but it was plainly de-stemmed before pressing.
While pleasant enough on its own, I felt that the glass still needed a certain je ne sais quoi to help it along, and so I thought I might try pairing it – and the first thing I came across was a bottle of 2019 Onesta Cinsault.
It was an ideal match. The wine brought out dark red shades of color that the plain glass kept concealed, as well as aromas of dark cherries or berries. Brambly, zippy berries at first taste, mellowing out into a more cherry-like flavor with light tannins throughout. Paired well with salted and peppered peanuts, then with roast chicken, then with leftover roast chicken salad for lunch. A truly versatile glass that will have to be shoehorned into my cabinet.
A really, really tasty local favorite that has flown under my radar.
@rpstrong Excellent review! - Did you notice any tendencies on inside textures regarding proper quantification of “legginess” or inhibition of blue spectrum light?
@stolicat I’m not a big leg man, but I’m sure I would have noticed anything exceptional in that area, and I didn’t.
Blue light inhibition was minimal, at least when compared to one of my favorite labels - RayBan - as expressed in their Old World structured Vagabond.
@rpstrong I almost forgot:
/giphy nerdy-nuisance-vest
reverse wine snob had a go at this Nov '23:
The 2019 Onesta Cinsault begins with a very pleasant and very complex aroma of strawberry, black cherry, red licorice, spice, mint and a hint of rhubarb. Harmonious right from the start, the aroma continues to blossom over the course of a couple hours so don’t be afraid to give it some time to breathe.
Tasting reveals a smooth, medium-bodied wine, a bit like Pinot Noir (which you wouldn’t really expect from the dark color). In the mouth it features similar fruit flavors to the nose with a bit of cranberry as well. The wine is also quite juicy when tasting and has very well integrated spice.
All of that sounds good enough but this wine also has an incredible depth of flavor, complexity, structure and even a bit of lively minerality that can only come from these very old vines. Frankly words don’t do it justice.
It ends very long and dry with an absolutely delicious finish full of lingering flavors and spice, tempting you to take another sip. After about 4 hours it’s really singing. My goodness, I love this wine.
link to the rws offer
fwiw
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2019 Onesta Cinsault - $70 = 26.92%
Thanks for the rat! Brought this bottle to a friend’s house for a homemade pizza party. Here are initial notes from the group:
Smells like dates
Fresh raspberry leaf
Dried plum
Bright berry
Looks like Merlot
A little orange in color
Low tannin
Spice at the end
“Chuggable”
Great for a table wine or to bring to a party.
Good with pizza- better with it! Went well with crust (friend is a professional baker)
Not super layered
Very little to no legs
We each had a glass and they didn’t last long. One of my friend’s commented, “most wine is a bit hard for me to drink, specially quickly. This one is a little too easy to drink!” Saved a sip for day 2 (yesterday) but left it at my friend’s house. He said it was about the same day 2. Looking at this price, I wouldn’t buy a case as I’m moving. But if you’re looking for something to bring to a bunch of spring parties or summer barbecues, this would be worth a purchase for sure!
Yeah. Pretty odd.
Jillian Johnson + Onesta + Cinsault = no brainer…in for a case.
Have verticals starting from 2013 and EVERY time I open one, it is a smashing hit. The history alone let alone Jillian’s vast experience makes for a superb story while sipping away with friends. Don’t pass it up…
mesmerizing peculiar warthog
/giphy washable-experienced-werewolf
Well, of course.
/giphy fantastic-natural-pot
would anyone relatively near Worcester MA be interested in a split?
Autobuy. Have loved every case of this that I’ve bought.
I’ve always enjoyed this wine, and after a few cases, I’m going to pass, as my space, and budget need some relaxation, and I’m looking for new adventures, ready for the altogether unexpected. Something kind but not too gentle. Something gentle but not too nice.
@PaleMongo sounds like you’re ready for Berserker Day XV!
I always buy a case of this when it comes up (even though I’m still working on the 2015, 2017, and a previous case of the 2019).
/giphy awry-eminent-wire
/giphy wry-detailed-business
/giphy blase-technical-jupiter
Looks like a good deal, but I can’t handle 12 right now. Anyone west of Minneapolis willing to split?
My logic goes like this. I have 9 bottles remaining in Casa North after giving 3 away as Christmas gifts.
ETA is Valentines Day. My kids will be here with us in Casa South so we will drink some, store some and bring any remaining back North when we leave.
Onesta Cinsault has become a true family favorite so no worries about getting old and undrinkable.
/giphy cardiac-nocturnal-poison
