Paysan Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, San Benito County, California

Description

Old vines and old ideas take the lead as 2022 Paysan Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon presents a grounded, deliberate expression shaped by restraint rather than excess. Built to echo the classic California Cabernets of the 1970s, this wine prioritizes freshness, savory balance, and structural clarity, proving that power can be compelling without being loud.

Product Details:

• Winemaker/ Owner: Ian Brand
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Petite Verdot
• Vineyard Sources: Brigantino Vineyard (60 years old), Wheeler Ranch (45 years old), additional old vine parcels, including Tres Pinos Creek
• Farming: Practicing organic, certified organic, or in conversion
• Rootstocks: St. George, AXR-1
• Fermentation: Whole berries with very light crush, open-top fermenters, native primary and secondary fermentation
• Extraction: Slow extraction with extended oxygen exposure for tannin polymerization
• Pressing: After approximately 20 days
• Aging: 11 months on lees in mostly neutral barrels with a small portion of active oak
• Alcohol: 12.1%
• pH: 3.98
• Total Acidity: 5.78 g/L
• Production: 3,400 cases

Sensory Description:

Bold yet composed aromatics rise with notes of ancho chile, blueberry, black pepper, and leather. The palate unfolds with a layered spice profile reminiscent of garam masala, cardamom, coriander, and pepper, supported by red currant and fruit leather tones. Firm, drying tannins provide shape and grip, leading to a medium-bodied frame with a poised sweet-and-savory balance and a clean, energetic finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• 92 Points: Jeb Dunnuck (2025)
• 92 Points: Wine Enthusiast (2024)

Winemaker’s Background:

Paysan is the personal project of winemaker Ian Brand, whose work is driven by a deep belief in overlooked vineyards, old vines, and honest farming. Drawing fruit from mature sites planted on historic rootstocks, Ian favors native fermentations, gentle extraction, and restrained alcohol to preserve balance and site expression. His approach is intentionally unpretentious, channeling grit, clarity, and authenticity into wines that reflect both vineyard struggle and coastal influence.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at cool cellar temperature in a large-bowled red wine glass to allow its spice-driven aromatics and firm structure to fully unfold. This Cabernet pairs naturally with roasted meats, braised dishes, mushrooms, and herb-forward fare, and has the balance to age gracefully for several years.

Structure and freshness carry through the final sip, allowing 2022 Paysan Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon to close with quiet authority and a lasting sense of classic proportion.