65% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon  

Philosophy
Old Mission Peninsula rides the climactic edge of where successful red grape ripening can occur, and our 2020 Praefectus is the result of strategic methods undertaken to create a full bodied red here. A Michigan take on a Bordeaux style, this blend finds balance through its three varieties, evening out characteristically cool climate acid, fruity flavor, and deeper oak notes. Incorporating Cabernet Sauvignon from our Nella Serra hoop houses adds complexity to the blend with big ripe flavor and tannins.

Flavor Notes
Raspberries, red fruit, mouth-coating tannins. Through careful vineyard work and canopy management we let our Cabernet Franc express juicy red berry flavor rather than the grape’s often characteristic herbaceousness. Deeper notes of oak and cocoa from time spent in barrels will come forward as this wine ages  

Vinification
The Merlot and Cabernet Franc were both fermented separately in stainless steel tanks with daily pumpovers, and once fermentation finished the pomace from both was combined and pressed together on November 24th (free run juice was left separate) into three year old demi muids. Meanwhile, the Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in open top bins with daily punchdowns until October 25th when it was pressed into French oak barriques. The wine aged for one year before blending on November 22nd 2021, with bottling shortly afterwards.

Pairing
Praefectus is a great choice for grilled fatty steaks or roasted lamb. Also pairs well with bitter dark chocolates—just be sure the chocolate is not sweeter than the wine.

Cellaring
While this younger vintage is tasting great right now, it will continue to improve with age through 2033, and could quite possibly age beyond that.