2021 Onesta Cinsault, Bechthold Vineyard, Lodi, California
Tasting Notes
This is A typical rich and intense Cinsault that explodes strawberry rhubarb pie in the glass. The ancient vines produced a Cinsault with great concentration - lots of juicy black cherry, rhubarb, and plum, with notes of vanilla from extended barrel aging. For those who not familiar with the flavor characteristics of Cinsault, it has the elegant weight of a Pinot Noir with the fruit-forward attitude of a Zinfandel (and mix in a dash of Rhone spice too!).
Growing Season
The 2021 growing season was a drought year, with little spring rainfall. The vines produced a smaller crop with intensely flavored small berries. The harvest came early and with very little chaos from Mother Nature. The 2021 vintage is up there in quality with 2013 and 2018.
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 for 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.
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.
Food Pairings
Grilled pork tenderloin, roasted chicken, margarita pizza, smoked baby back ribs, chocolate cake, or Thanksgiving dinner.
Specs
Vintage: 2021
Appellation: Lodi, California
Vineyard: Bechthold Vineyard
Alcohol: 14.7%
What’s Included
3-bottles:
3x 2021 Onesta Cinsault, Bechthold Vineyard, Lodi, California
Case:
12x 2021 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, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@forlich Hoping that someone has some more info on this “one of the last offerings”. Is the winery closing, or maybe no longer partnering with Casemates?
Either way, secured a case today (hedging my bets!) Their Cinsault is phenomenal, and hard to find.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 Onesta Cinsault - $70 = 26.92%
One of the last offerings?!?! I had to look it up, and I’ve bought 12 2/3 cases of Onesta wines here on Casemates (including her Mentida sub-brand). We’ve always really liked all of the Onesta wines we’ve bought!
Good morning, Casemates nation! We’re back for another labrat adventure. We’re familiar with Onesta wines, having previously purchased the Cinsault and the Cinsault rosé. We’ve enjoyed them both and were really looking forward the new vintage.
We need to go back in time a bit for this review, as the wine was tasted on Thanksgiving day. I think it was a perfect opportunity to try it with a variety of foods. You don’t get more varied with cuisine than a traditional Thanksgiving dinner!
We were visiting relatives and didn’t have a chance to decant ahead of time. On PnP, the wine showed a medium garnet color. No cloudiness or sediment to be seen. Aromas were cranberry with a bit of spice. We got more on the nose as the evening went on, so that was a good sign.
How did it taste? We were fans! More fruit came out to play, with black cherry joining the cranberry we found on the nose. It was light, crisp and refreshing. Medium bodied, it paired well with just about everything we threw at it: turkey with gravy, pumpkin bread, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes. Acid levels were just right. It cleansed our palates without moving into extreme tartness. Tannins were light, so I wouldn’t pair this with very heavy flavors like lamb. The finish was medium-long, more than enough time to savor each sip.
We really enjoyed this wine. We’re overflowing with bottles but now seeing that we won’t get many more opportunities to buy, we’ll really have to consider a purchase. I see these bottles going for at least 3-5 years, so I don’t think there will be any hurry in consuming.
Thanks, as always to Alice, WD and the Casemates team for including us in the labrat program. Virtual tastings were all the rage during Covid; WD was doing this almost 20 years ago! Cheers.
We have really enjoyed our Onesta wines, and are sorry to see this is one of the last offerings. We’ll miss them and wish the best for the Onesta team.
@ctmariner@slgabree60 fyi these shipping dates are only estimates. In my experience, the wine often arrives much sooner. But on occasion it can be later. @winedavid49 may have more insight into this specific offer.
@ctmariner@hscottk@slgabree60@Winedavid49 Would be best to get a commitment from WD to not ship between, e.g., Dec 20-Jan2 when many are out travelling. And maybe when his warehouse workers also want time off!
@Skarsol I’ve had Onesta Cinsault from 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019. Love all of them (I think 2013 has been my favorite). You should also try a Tercero Cinsault for a good expression of Cinsault.
@klezman I have “free” shipping, but cases are gone. So unless someone local takes pity on us and will share some bottles I guess it’s on to the next one. PS: Yes, I know I could buy 3, but the case incentive is also a 3-pack disincentive.
Does anyone know why this is one of the last Onesta offerings? Is the vintner retiring? Winery closing? Really bummed about this…I really love her wines and have enjoyed her participation here in the past.
Apologies for the delay - this wine was originally supposed to go live back the day after Thanksgiving, and then I managed to get days mixed up with traveling this week.
I was very excited about this - I hadn’t previously had anything from Onesta and there was a Cinsault I used to buy at my local wine shop in the Netherlands, but haven’t found any since moving back stateside. I was properly ready to find space for a case if this worked for the wife and I both!
My wife had a few friends over to watch Hot Frosty, so I made chili and jalapeno cornbread, and we opened this bottle alongside a quite-long-in-the-tooth Wine.Woot Wellington Pinot Verdot that we pulled out of the back of the (metaphorical) cellar.
Unfortunately…the majority of the tasters were left a bit disappointed. It was almost too fruity and sweet - not really what I’d describe as jammy - almost a bit Herb Ertlinger-like (okay, not that bad). My wife felt it tasted a bit like a Lambrusco that had gone flat - I definitely saw where she was coming from. It wasn’t unpleasant by any means - not much acid and very minimal tannins, so quite mild - but it was hard to escape the fruit and sweetness overload.
Needless to say, I was excited when I moved onto the Pinot Verdot with the chili - still drinks great 8.5 years later!
I’m sad that this wasn’t the wine for us, especially as it is clear there is a lot of appreciation here for it. Two of the drinkers who tasted are Pinot Noir (top preference) drinkers (something that Cinsault is often compared to in character), and they were the two biggest detractors. The one who did really enjoy it (and happily finished the bottle) was the Cabernet Sauvignon (top preference) drinker of the group, so perhaps it just resonates a bit stronger with full bodied drinkers.
Thanks to WCC for the rattage opportunity, and sorry it wasn’t a glowing review. I’m sure it won’t struggle to sell based on the feedback I’m reading! I almost want to get a mini case to see if my bottle was just an unfortunate fluke!
Well, you sure put the Cinsault to the test. Chili and jalapeno cornbread are challenging for anyone wine!
Very interesting that the Cab lover liked the Cinsault more than the Pinotphiles. The Cinsault is grown in Lodi, and made in Napa (cab country). Its personality is more serious than traditional light-body Cinsault wines.
Thanks for writing up your experience.
@WineDocNapa - I will say we had all had the Cinsault before dinner was served, so it was had with cheese and crackers. Perhaps the smell was in the air!
I did truly want to love this wine - perhaps your Syrah is more up my alley - I’m sad I likely won’t get the opportunity to find out!
interesting-I am primarily a cab drinker myself and only enjoy the occasional glass of pinot noir-the bottle we opened of the cinsault was a 2019 and all thought it was delicious. Ordered a case.
My Dear Casemates Community,
I thank you all for all the love you have shown me and my wines over the years. I reflect on the journey we’ve shared through the Onesta offerings, your comments filled with glee and excitement, and the wild images I struggle to understand (hahaha). From the first pour to the last sip, I hope to have been a companion to your moments of joy, reflection, and connection.
The 2021 vintage is my second to last offering of the Cinsault. I saved 100 cases of the 2021 and 100 cases of the 2022 for the Casemates community. We do have Syrah to sell, which was recently offered on RWS and we could do a casemates offering, too.
After running the business for 15 years, I am ready for a change. I am not fully retiring from the wine industry, but I will focus on consulting and helping other winemakers improve their wines. This will give me more time for hiking, open-water swimming, and skiing. It has been an incredible journey, and I thank you for being part of it.
I will see you again this spring/summer for the last Onesta offerings.
Celebrate life with wines that feed the soul.
Cheers,
Jillian Johnson DeLeon
Winemaker/Owner Onesta Wines
@WineDocNapa Jillian, I remember my first of your Cinsaults, a 2015, and it was simply delicious…only to be topped by a 2013 I received from a mixed case. Sad to see you go, but good luck with your new ventures and more free time!!!
I see the cases are sold out, I was going to grab a 2nd one. Snooze you loose!
@WineDocNapa great to hear that you’ll have more time for leisure and fun activities! But selfishly, we hate to see you slow down. I’ve bought 13 2/3 cases of your wines here on CM and have enjoyed all of them greatly! Best of luck in future endeavors, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming Cinsault and hopefully Syrah here on CM.
One of the last offerings from Onesta
2021 Onesta Cinsault, Bechthold Vineyard, Lodi, California
Tasting Notes
Growing Season
Vineyard Notes
Vinification
Food Pairings
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $480/case MSRP
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, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Dec 23 - Thursday, Dec 26
2021 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
Lovely wine. Buy all you can. I am very sad this is the end.
@danandlisa this. I wonder how many more offers there will be.
@klezman I don’t know. I do know her Cinsault is lovely. I bought 2 cases. If they offer it again, I will buy 2 more.
I was hoping that was a typo. Why is this the end for Onesta?
I haven’t had the opportunity to try Jillian’s Syrah
@forlich RWS has the 2019 Syrah up for 3 @ 59.95 till about noon tomorrow
@rc70 Thanks for the heads up! Just ordered her Syrah. Just gave my kids the sad news about Onesta.
@forlich Hoping that someone has some more info on this “one of the last offerings”. Is the winery closing, or maybe no longer partnering with Casemates?
Either way, secured a case today (hedging my bets!) Their Cinsault is phenomenal, and hard to find.
@ttboy23 you are a wise man.
The 2018 Onesta Cinsault for the same price back in 2022. No inflation to see here folks!
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/onesta-cinsault-1
@digerifoo2 The 2017 back in 2021: https://casemates.com/forum/topics/onesta-cinsault-bechthold-vineyard#60c977455a1e41001b49ab60
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 Onesta Cinsault - $70 = 26.92%
A favorite. Sad to see this is one of the last offerings. Overstocked but in for a case.
/giphy fondest-fancy-snowangel
One of the last offerings?!?! I had to look it up, and I’ve bought 12 2/3 cases of Onesta wines here on Casemates (including her Mentida sub-brand). We’ve always really liked all of the Onesta wines we’ve bought!
@TimW make that 13 2/3 cases!
/giphy bright-rejoicing-fragrance
Anyone in for a split in the Atlanta Area?
@Springbank Count me in!
@winstoncharles I’ll order it and get in touch when it gets here.
Good morning, Casemates nation! We’re back for another labrat adventure. We’re familiar with Onesta wines, having previously purchased the Cinsault and the Cinsault rosé. We’ve enjoyed them both and were really looking forward the new vintage.
We need to go back in time a bit for this review, as the wine was tasted on Thanksgiving day. I think it was a perfect opportunity to try it with a variety of foods. You don’t get more varied with cuisine than a traditional Thanksgiving dinner!
We were visiting relatives and didn’t have a chance to decant ahead of time. On PnP, the wine showed a medium garnet color. No cloudiness or sediment to be seen. Aromas were cranberry with a bit of spice. We got more on the nose as the evening went on, so that was a good sign.
How did it taste? We were fans! More fruit came out to play, with black cherry joining the cranberry we found on the nose. It was light, crisp and refreshing. Medium bodied, it paired well with just about everything we threw at it: turkey with gravy, pumpkin bread, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes. Acid levels were just right. It cleansed our palates without moving into extreme tartness. Tannins were light, so I wouldn’t pair this with very heavy flavors like lamb. The finish was medium-long, more than enough time to savor each sip.
We really enjoyed this wine. We’re overflowing with bottles but now seeing that we won’t get many more opportunities to buy, we’ll really have to consider a purchase. I see these bottles going for at least 3-5 years, so I don’t think there will be any hurry in consuming.
Thanks, as always to Alice, WD and the Casemates team for including us in the labrat program. Virtual tastings were all the rage during Covid; WD was doing this almost 20 years ago! Cheers.
@hscottk Thank you for the wonderful review
. The Cinsault is the perfect Thanksgiving wine!
Hate seeing these wineries closing down.
/giphy legendary-enriching-greetings
Have always like their offerings! In for a case.
We have really enjoyed our Onesta wines, and are sorry to see this is one of the last offerings. We’ll miss them and wish the best for the Onesta team.
/giphy loving-endearing-pie
Anyone know the shipping date? Getting close to holiday traveling.
@slgabree60 see initial post above - estimated delivery is Dec 23 to 26
@ctmariner thank you!
@ctmariner @slgabree60 fyi these shipping dates are only estimates. In my experience, the wine often arrives much sooner. But on occasion it can be later. @winedavid49 may have more insight into this specific offer.
@ctmariner @hscottk @slgabree60 @Winedavid49 Would be best to get a commitment from WD to not ship between, e.g., Dec 20-Jan2 when many are out travelling. And maybe when his warehouse workers also want time off!
So excited to see the Cinsault, but so sad to see the news about Onesta. Leg warmers forever.
/giphy flashy-candied-fireplace
Too bad- we really liked the Onesta Cinsault Rose also. Bring that back one more time?!
Don’t think we’ve ever had 100% Cinsault before, but in for a case based on the comments!
@Skarsol I’ve had Onesta Cinsault from 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019. Love all of them (I think 2013 has been my favorite). You should also try a Tercero Cinsault for a good expression of Cinsault.
Happy birthday mom!
/giphy exalted-frozen-spruce
@winedavid “One of” the last offerings from Onesta. Does that mean the Syrah is coming up? Would prefer to get a case here than a 3x4 from RWS.
@char2na What is RWS?
@bolligra @char2na Reverse Wine Snob
@char2na @ttboy23 thx!
Sigh…if this wasn’t the last run (ish) for these I’d pass. But they’re quite good. So I’ll help split if somebody wants.
@klezman I’ll take 3 or 4, flexible depending on how many other takers there are.
@davirom So was anybody else wanting to split? Or we’ll wait for one of the remaining offers later on?
@klezman I have “free” shipping, but cases are gone. So unless someone local takes pity on us and will share some bottles I guess it’s on to the next one. PS: Yes, I know I could buy 3, but the case incentive is also a 3-pack disincentive.
@davirom Your math is correct
/giphy money-explode-party
Auto buy
Opened a bottle from the last offering tonight just to make sure-wonderful light red! We’re in!!
True FOMO! Case bought! But tbh have loved in the past.
Does anyone know why this is one of the last Onesta offerings? Is the vintner retiring? Winery closing? Really bummed about this…I really love her wines and have enjoyed her participation here in the past.
@TimW This doesn’t help much, but the RWS offer stated: “And due to the winery’s decision to close its doors…”
In for a case! Anyone in or near SF want to split or buy a couple?
@winecatlady yeah me lol
@winecatlady I’m in SF and would love to do a split
@rolfsf ok. We can each get 4. Send me a DM to coordinate pick up. Are u in SF?
In for a case. I have enjoyed both od the previous Onesta cases I bought. Sad to hear they won’t be around much longer.
/giphy crackling-thoughtful-life
Well, heck! Good timing, but sorry to hear it may be a last chance at this wine. I’m down to my last bottle from the previous offer, so in for a case.
@agailb also finished our last bottle, the 2019
It was delicious and even better the next day
Apologies for the delay - this wine was originally supposed to go live back the day after Thanksgiving, and then I managed to get days mixed up with traveling this week.
I was very excited about this - I hadn’t previously had anything from Onesta and there was a Cinsault I used to buy at my local wine shop in the Netherlands, but haven’t found any since moving back stateside. I was properly ready to find space for a case if this worked for the wife and I both!
My wife had a few friends over to watch Hot Frosty, so I made chili and jalapeno cornbread, and we opened this bottle alongside a quite-long-in-the-tooth Wine.Woot Wellington Pinot Verdot that we pulled out of the back of the (metaphorical) cellar.
Unfortunately…the majority of the tasters were left a bit disappointed. It was almost too fruity and sweet - not really what I’d describe as jammy - almost a bit Herb Ertlinger-like (okay, not that bad). My wife felt it tasted a bit like a Lambrusco that had gone flat - I definitely saw where she was coming from. It wasn’t unpleasant by any means - not much acid and very minimal tannins, so quite mild - but it was hard to escape the fruit and sweetness overload.
Needless to say, I was excited when I moved onto the Pinot Verdot with the chili - still drinks great 8.5 years later!
I’m sad that this wasn’t the wine for us, especially as it is clear there is a lot of appreciation here for it. Two of the drinkers who tasted are Pinot Noir (top preference) drinkers (something that Cinsault is often compared to in character), and they were the two biggest detractors. The one who did really enjoy it (and happily finished the bottle) was the Cabernet Sauvignon (top preference) drinker of the group, so perhaps it just resonates a bit stronger with full bodied drinkers.
Thanks to WCC for the rattage opportunity, and sorry it wasn’t a glowing review. I’m sure it won’t struggle to sell based on the feedback I’m reading! I almost want to get a mini case to see if my bottle was just an unfortunate fluke!
@larsrulz
Well, you sure put the Cinsault to the test. Chili and jalapeno cornbread are challenging for anyone wine!
Very interesting that the Cab lover liked the Cinsault more than the Pinotphiles. The Cinsault is grown in Lodi, and made in Napa (cab country). Its personality is more serious than traditional light-body Cinsault wines.
Thanks for writing up your experience.
@WineDocNapa - I will say we had all had the Cinsault before dinner was served, so it was had with cheese and crackers. Perhaps the smell was in the air!
I did truly want to love this wine - perhaps your Syrah is more up my alley - I’m sad I likely won’t get the opportunity to find out!
interesting-I am primarily a cab drinker myself and only enjoy the occasional glass of pinot noir-the bottle we opened of the cinsault was a 2019 and all thought it was delicious. Ordered a case.
My Dear Casemates Community,
I thank you all for all the love you have shown me and my wines over the years. I reflect on the journey we’ve shared through the Onesta offerings, your comments filled with glee and excitement, and the wild images I struggle to understand (hahaha). From the first pour to the last sip, I hope to have been a companion to your moments of joy, reflection, and connection.
The 2021 vintage is my second to last offering of the Cinsault. I saved 100 cases of the 2021 and 100 cases of the 2022 for the Casemates community. We do have Syrah to sell, which was recently offered on RWS and we could do a casemates offering, too.
After running the business for 15 years, I am ready for a change. I am not fully retiring from the wine industry, but I will focus on consulting and helping other winemakers improve their wines. This will give me more time for hiking, open-water swimming, and skiing. It has been an incredible journey, and I thank you for being part of it.
I will see you again this spring/summer for the last Onesta offerings.
Celebrate life with wines that feed the soul.
Cheers,
Jillian Johnson DeLeon
Winemaker/Owner Onesta Wines
@WineDocNapa Jillian, I remember my first of your Cinsaults, a 2015, and it was simply delicious…only to be topped by a 2013 I received from a mixed case. Sad to see you go, but good luck with your new ventures and more free time!!!
I see the cases are sold out, I was going to grab a 2nd one. Snooze you loose!
How does the 2022 vintage stack up to the 2021?
Cheers!!!
@WineDocNapa great to hear that you’ll have more time for leisure and fun activities! But selfishly, we hate to see you slow down.
I’ve bought 13 2/3 cases of your wines here on CM and have enjoyed all of them greatly! Best of luck in future endeavors, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming Cinsault and hopefully Syrah here on CM.
Any chance more cases will be available? seeing only three packs left
/giphy bounteous-flashy-rudolph
