You imagine my excitement when I get “the” email letting me know a mystery box is headed my way! I was sad I couldn’t be there when the Monkey dropped off the box. I alerted my trusted tasters aka family members and they were ready for the tasting. We tasted without food. (it was a long day and we couldn’t meet up until after 8pm and we didn’t have a long time about an hour)
PNP - Color - Best way to describe is Dark cherry Koolaide.That deep purplish red color. Aroma - Mild, black cherry, maybe some rainier cherry and dried orange peel? Flavor- Cherry,light mouth feel, mild, light tannins, not complex, young. There was not any flavors that jumped out.
Vinturi Aroma - Dried orange peel, Over ripe cherry, cranberry Flavor-Still thin, smoother, cranberry, cherry. Don’t judge- grapier, not to sweet cherry Jolly Rancher.
Overall impression from the group:
This wine needs to breathe for at least 30 min. Not overly complex and thin mouth feel.Would do better with food. Low tannins. We guessed price point $12.99-16.99.
I have a little bit left and will revisit later tonight.
Color: The wine is a dark ruby in color with a brickish tint. Nose: Somewhat muted nose of black cherry and Concord grape. A hint of orange and a little dusty, perhaps white pepper? Some damp woodsy aromas as well. Palate: The wine is medium bodied with excellent acidity and structure. This wine is made for food but could also be enjoyed alone. The finish is quite nice.
I had a bite of sautéed kale and onions while we were making dinner and the wine paired quite well. It was not as good with the mahi but it wasn’t bad either. I think it would do well with pretty much any food except fish.
I had a sip of the Peterson Barbera left at the bottom of another bottle (day old) as an apples to oranges comparison and the Peterson was definitely a bigger and fruitier wine, with the Onesta being more earthy. Overall, this is a well made wine and an opportunity to enjoy a less traditional varietal.
So glad to see this showcased again - I bought 3 bottles when it was last offered (this time last year) and have been waiting for the repeat ever since. Wonderful for thanksgiving or if you’re looking for a spicy Pinot/Zinfandel feel - buy a case!
91 Points Editors’ Choice
Leafy, fennel-like aromas top this fresh, grapy and well-balanced wine. It tastes lively and tangy but also brings good ripeness and richness to the palate. Made from vines as old as 130 years, it’s a wonderful break from the ordinary. JG 12/1/16
I’m surprised this hasn’t sold out yet. For anyone on the fence, jump over. It goes great with anything, including Thanksgiving dinner. It’s also a great story and a great gift for the holidays; fun telling people “these are the oldest Cinsault vines in the world”. My wife and I have loved everything she’s made.
This winemaker is just the type of person that’s great for Casemates. Her day job is consulting all over, helping others make the great wine they want. IIRC, Onesta(/Mentida) is her side gig, where she has fun making the wines she wants to drink. With no budget or time for marketing, her great wines go to her growing cult following but aren’t enough to be picked up by distributors. Hence we end up getting them here! When this get’s picked up by a distributor we’ll have to pay $30 for this in a store. Get it here while you can. At this price she clearly needs the 2013’s out of the way. Help her out!
@Winedavid49 My wallet does not thank you, but I sincerely do. We have bought both vintages and love this wine. Anyone on the fence, buy, buy, buy. This wine is lovely.
Just chiming in to add to the chorus: we’ve bought both vintages of this wine that were previously on offer; the case is a total no-brainer. We like a medium-bodied red with dinner, and this one is crazy good for the price.
It’s been a while since I bought wine from Casemates (it was summer, and there wasn’t anything inspiring). I’m very sure I’ve never had any Cinsault, but the fact that it’s from the oldest grape planting (of Cinsault) in the US made it seem extra interesting. I wish that there was a way I could just always forward it to the local Walgreen’s, though. I always worry that I’ll forget to do it.
The downside of trying a new wine is that I might regret only buying three. Then again, I can always drive over to Bookwalter’s and insist that they take my money…
@klezman@Shrdlu Exactly. South Africa actually has the rights to the next oldest plantings somewhere around 80 years old. The sandy soil of the Bechthold Vineyard kept phylloxera away and fortunately it just didn’t get ripped out for something else since 1886.
I can’t pass this one up, it’s amazing. In for a case; if any PDX folks want in, let me know and I’m happy to split (though I’m also happy to keep the whole thing!).
/giphy unfair-fat-rye
We had this for Thanksgiving last year, and it was incredibly well-received. I liked it (and the whole Onesta idea) so much that I have purchased the Grenache Blanc and Rose.
In for a case. Willing to part with 3 in the in CMH area if anyone is interested.
Thanks for the offer, and price reduction from last year!
Perfect for Thanksgiving: 2013 Onesta Cinsault
3 bottles for $49.99 $16.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $139.99 $11.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
This is an atypical rich and intense Cinsault that explodes strawberry and spiced rhubarb pie in the glass. The 2013 vintage produced fruit with higher tannin levels, giving a bigger structure and more midpalate weight. The big red fruit is nicely balanced with white pepper and a hint of “Rhone meatiness”.
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. Onesta is lucky to have a 4.2 acre block on the east side of the vineyard where the weakest vines are planted producing the most concentrated fruit in the whole vineyard. 100% Cinsault from 130 year old vines in the famous Bechthold Vineyard in Lodi. The perfect recipe involves gentle handling, saignée, cold soak, raging fermentation, extended maceration, and 12 months aging untouched in neutral French oak barrels.
Onesta Wines capture the truth and honesty of each vintage, uniting the vines, the land, Mother Nature, and maturation. Jillian, Winemaker/Owner, promises to deliver wines with personality and depth every year. She believes life should be filled with family, good friends and adventure. Life is short, live by truth and honesty and you will always find peace and happiness. Enjoy wine on a regular basis!
Specifications
Vintage: 2013
91 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Blend: 100% Cinsault
Appellation: Bechthold Vineyard is in Lodi, the winery where Onesta is produced is in Napa.
Production: 500 cases
pH: 3.55
TA: 6.0g/L
Brix: 25
Residual Sugar: none
Alcohol: 14.5%
Picking Methods: hand picked
Sorting Methods: Vineyard sort
Crush Details: 100% destem
Cold Soak: 3 day cold soak
SO2 Applications: yes
Yeast: Zymaflore RX60 yeast by Laffort, a French wine product company Fermentation
Temperature: 80F Fermentation
Technique: tank fermentation
Nutrients: Complex organic
Acid Additions: minimal
Malolactic: yes
Punch-down/Pump-over Methods: during peak fermentation, 3 pump overs a day
Winery: Onesta Wines
Owners: Jillian Johnson
Location: Lodi, CA
Owner Jillian Johnson 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, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
The description got me curious; I like Cinsault, and I found a pro-score of 91-WE. The Trifecta = motivation to purchase a case. Looking forward to receiving it + also learning more about Onesta Wines.
Got it last time (considerably more expensive!) and I really enjoy it. Excellent less known wine to bring to parties and make people wonder why they keep drinking the same old varieties forever
@onesta@zachdecker If Illinois was included, we’d definitely be ‘in’.
We picked up the Onesta Cinsault from an early offer when it was available. Luckily, we’ve still got a few bottles left.
Highly recommend- especially at the ultra-deal price!
This will be my first Cinsault, looking forward to trying it. I’m a sucker for value and that case price is a pretty awesome value.
/giphy active-horrible-earthquake
In for a case, which I shouldn’t-a hadn’t-a oughtnt’a done. But I’m a sucker for a deal.
If anyone in the Twin Cities, Sioux Falls, or points in between is interested, I’d be up for a 2- or 3-way split. I’ll be travelling to the Cities the day before Thanksgiving, and can make some just-in-time deliveries then.
Bummed I missed this one - but curious as to the ‘ageabilty’ of this wine as it is relatively light and does not contain much tannin . . . How has this developed or changed over time? And what is the oldest Cinsaut you’ve produced?
I’ve gotten Cinsault, ancient vine - from another fantastic Lodi Winery - Michael David. It is indeed a great wine! Anybody for a split in Durham-Chapel Hill- Greensboro Area?
I bought last time, really good stuff. I am overfull with wine at the moment. If someone in South FL gets a case I’d be willing to take a couple bottles off your hands.
You imagine my excitement when I get “the” email letting me know a mystery box is headed my way! I was sad I couldn’t be there when the Monkey dropped off the box. I alerted my trusted tasters aka family members and they were ready for the tasting. We tasted without food. (it was a long day and we couldn’t meet up until after 8pm and we didn’t have a long time about an hour)
PNP -
Color - Best way to describe is Dark cherry Koolaide.That deep purplish red color.
Aroma - Mild, black cherry, maybe some rainier cherry and dried orange peel?
Flavor- Cherry,light mouth feel, mild, light tannins, not complex, young. There was not any flavors that jumped out.
Vinturi
Aroma - Dried orange peel, Over ripe cherry, cranberry
Flavor-Still thin, smoother, cranberry, cherry. Don’t judge- grapier, not to sweet cherry Jolly Rancher.
Overall impression from the group:
This wine needs to breathe for at least 30 min. Not overly complex and thin mouth feel.Would do better with food. Low tannins. We guessed price point $12.99-16.99.
I have a little bit left and will revisit later tonight.
Thanks WD for sending the monkeys our way.
Color: The wine is a dark ruby in color with a brickish tint.
Nose: Somewhat muted nose of black cherry and Concord grape. A hint of orange and a little dusty, perhaps white pepper? Some damp woodsy aromas as well.
Palate: The wine is medium bodied with excellent acidity and structure. This wine is made for food but could also be enjoyed alone. The finish is quite nice.
I had a bite of sautéed kale and onions while we were making dinner and the wine paired quite well. It was not as good with the mahi but it wasn’t bad either. I think it would do well with pretty much any food except fish.
I had a sip of the Peterson Barbera left at the bottom of another bottle (day old) as an apples to oranges comparison and the Peterson was definitely a bigger and fruitier wine, with the Onesta being more earthy. Overall, this is a well made wine and an opportunity to enjoy a less traditional varietal.
Now that I see it’s promoted as “Perfect for Thanksgiving”, I couldn’t agree more. I think it would pair quite well with the rich flavors of the meal.
So glad to see this showcased again - I bought 3 bottles when it was last offered (this time last year) and have been waiting for the repeat ever since. Wonderful for thanksgiving or if you’re looking for a spicy Pinot/Zinfandel feel - buy a case!
@david011777 Ditto - bought 3 last time but in for a case this time!
As mentioned above, from Wine Enthusiast:
91 Points Editors’ Choice
Leafy, fennel-like aromas top this fresh, grapy and well-balanced wine. It tastes lively and tangy but also brings good ripeness and richness to the palate. Made from vines as old as 130 years, it’s a wonderful break from the ordinary. JG 12/1/16
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/onesta-2013-bechthold-vineyard-cinsault-lodi/
fwiw
I’m surprised this hasn’t sold out yet. For anyone on the fence, jump over. It goes great with anything, including Thanksgiving dinner. It’s also a great story and a great gift for the holidays; fun telling people “these are the oldest Cinsault vines in the world”. My wife and I have loved everything she’s made.
This winemaker is just the type of person that’s great for Casemates. Her day job is consulting all over, helping others make the great wine they want. IIRC, Onesta(/Mentida) is her side gig, where she has fun making the wines she wants to drink. With no budget or time for marketing, her great wines go to her growing cult following but aren’t enough to be picked up by distributors. Hence we end up getting them here! When this get’s picked up by a distributor we’ll have to pay $30 for this in a store. Get it here while you can. At this price she clearly needs the 2013’s out of the way. Help her out!
@PatrickKarcher I was just thinking the same thing…still some left but not for long, maybe?You’re quite the salesperson!
Oh, and the notes from the previous offer:
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/onesta-wines-cinsault-1
Case price $25 cheaper on today’s offer, 3 bottle price is the same
@kaolis two bucks a bottle less, nothing to sneeze at.
@rjquillin
You buying a case? I’ll take 2 or 3 (since I should still have 2 or 3 from last year’s offer).
@MarkDaSpark Still have three bottles from the last case split I haven’t yet touched (if I can believe CT).
@MarkDaSpark You end up getting any?
All this love it making this tempting, but if it’s only the two of us, the case is out.
@rjquillin
No. Was tempted, but too busy this week. Even forgot to buy the H&L PS!
@Winedavid49 My wallet does not thank you, but I sincerely do. We have bought both vintages and love this wine. Anyone on the fence, buy, buy, buy. This wine is lovely.
Just chiming in to add to the chorus: we’ve bought both vintages of this wine that were previously on offer; the case is a total no-brainer. We like a medium-bodied red with dinner, and this one is crazy good for the price.
It’s been a while since I bought wine from Casemates (it was summer, and there wasn’t anything inspiring). I’m very sure I’ve never had any Cinsault, but the fact that it’s from the oldest grape planting (of Cinsault) in the US made it seem extra interesting. I wish that there was a way I could just always forward it to the local Walgreen’s, though. I always worry that I’ll forget to do it.
The downside of trying a new wine is that I might regret only buying three. Then again, I can always drive over to Bookwalter’s and insist that they take my money…
@Shrdlu Enter them as your default ship-to address…
Or add a second address to your profile.
I’ve got nearly a dozen.
@Shrdlu Actually the oldest Cinsault planting in the world
@onesta @Shrdlu How’d it get to be the oldest in the world? Did the original vines in France not survive phylloxera?
@klezman @Shrdlu Exactly. South Africa actually has the rights to the next oldest plantings somewhere around 80 years old. The sandy soil of the Bechthold Vineyard kept phylloxera away and fortunately it just didn’t get ripped out for something else since 1886.
I can’t pass this one up, it’s amazing. In for a case; if any PDX folks want in, let me know and I’m happy to split (though I’m also happy to keep the whole thing!).
/giphy unfair-fat-rye
@LambruscoKid I’ll take 3 if you want to part with them. Just opened the last of the 2012 to refresh my memory. Heh.
@cbrehman It’s a deal! I’ll be in touch when they arrive.
We had this for Thanksgiving last year, and it was incredibly well-received. I liked it (and the whole Onesta idea) so much that I have purchased the Grenache Blanc and Rose.
In for a case. Willing to part with 3 in the in CMH area if anyone is interested.
Thanks for the offer, and price reduction from last year!
I forgot.
/giphy electrical-brilliant-collar
Perfect for Thanksgiving: 2013 Onesta Cinsault
3 bottles for $49.99 $16.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $139.99 $11.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2013 Onesta Cinsault
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2013 Onesta Cinsault - $60 = 29.99%
/giphy hyperactive-beaming-cup
Instabuy. Love this wine. Won’t be making the “damn, I only bought 4 bottles” mistake this year.
Onesta is the besta’ !
Tasting Notes
This is an atypical rich and intense Cinsault that explodes strawberry and spiced rhubarb pie in the glass. The 2013 vintage produced fruit with higher tannin levels, giving a bigger structure and more midpalate weight. The big red fruit is nicely balanced with white pepper and a hint of “Rhone meatiness”.
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. Onesta is lucky to have a 4.2 acre block on the east side of the vineyard where the weakest vines are planted producing the most concentrated fruit in the whole vineyard. 100% Cinsault from 130 year old vines in the famous Bechthold Vineyard in Lodi. The perfect recipe involves gentle handling, saignée, cold soak, raging fermentation, extended maceration, and 12 months aging untouched in neutral French oak barrels.
Food Pairings: Peking duck, roasted chicken, lamb burgers, carnitas tacos, thanksgiving dinner.
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
Onesta Wines capture the truth and honesty of each vintage, uniting the vines, the land, Mother Nature, and maturation. Jillian, Winemaker/Owner, promises to deliver wines with personality and depth every year. She believes life should be filled with family, good friends and adventure. Life is short, live by truth and honesty and you will always find peace and happiness. Enjoy wine on a regular basis!
Specifications
Price Comparison
$469.05/case (including shipping) at Onesta Wines
About The Winery
Winery: Onesta Wines
Owners: Jillian Johnson
Location: Lodi, CA
Owner Jillian Johnson 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, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Friday, November 29th - Monday, December 2nd
The description got me curious; I like Cinsault, and I found a pro-score of 91-WE. The Trifecta = motivation to purchase a case. Looking forward to receiving it + also learning more about Onesta Wines.
Got it last time (considerably more expensive!) and I really enjoy it. Excellent less known wine to bring to parties and make people wonder why they keep drinking the same old varieties forever
Hey @WineDavid49, any idea how much before Thanksgiving this will make it to the East Coast?
@InFrom i wouldn’t be surprised if it delivered well within the week of 11/18.
Stinks that there is no Illinois for this one.
Anyone in far south Wisconsin who would be willing to split a case (or part with a bottle or two)?
It does suck. It doesn’t help for this but we’re getting the needed permits for IL.
@onesta @zachdecker If Illinois was included, we’d definitely be ‘in’.
We picked up the Onesta Cinsault from an early offer when it was available. Luckily, we’ve still got a few bottles left.
Highly recommend- especially at the ultra-deal price!
@kasandrae @jrbw3 I am full up (likely excuse) but wouldn’t hesitate to split 2 way or 3-ways on this one.
@ttboy23 I’m in. Easy.
This will be my first Cinsault, looking forward to trying it. I’m a sucker for value and that case price is a pretty awesome value.
/giphy active-horrible-earthquake
In for a case, which I shouldn’t-a hadn’t-a oughtnt’a done. But I’m a sucker for a deal.
If anyone in the Twin Cities, Sioux Falls, or points in between is interested, I’d be up for a 2- or 3-way split. I’ll be travelling to the Cities the day before Thanksgiving, and can make some just-in-time deliveries then.
Anyone in NYC want to split a case?
@kr4 Yes, count me in
We’ve really enjoyed everything we’ve had from Onesta. This is a no-brainer.
/giphy hideous-outlandish-machine
Bummed I missed this one - but curious as to the ‘ageabilty’ of this wine as it is relatively light and does not contain much tannin . . . How has this developed or changed over time? And what is the oldest Cinsaut you’ve produced?
@tercerowines Tagging @onesta so maybe they will see the question…
@onesta @TimW Hope so . . .
/giphy turbulent-edible-paper
I’ve gotten Cinsault, ancient vine - from another fantastic Lodi Winery - Michael David. It is indeed a great wine! Anybody for a split in Durham-Chapel Hill- Greensboro Area?
/giphy particular-burly-advice
Just picked up a case. I like in Lake Nona, Orlando, if anyone is interested in picking up a couple from me.
I bought last time, really good stuff. I am overfull with wine at the moment. If someone in South FL gets a case I’d be willing to take a couple bottles off your hands.
@GatorFL I got a case. Let me know how many you want.
@JonnyA9497 Hi Jonny I’d be in for 2 bottles if you could spare them. Where are you in South FL?
/giphy misleading-wandering-giraffe
