Description

Ian and Heather Brand founded I Brand Family Wines in Central Coast California in 2008. Ian’s first winery job was with Bonny Doon Winery; he then went to work for Big Basin Vineyards for four years before he and Heather decided to begin their own project. I Brand uses organic and sustainable farming practices, annually producing 11,000 cases from 20+ year old vines. Ian devotes much time to selecting vineyard sites with shallow, rocky soils and proper varietal match with soil and climate in the often-overlooked Monterey Bay area, which has a plethora of underappreciated vineyards:

I Brand picks Petite Syrah from two blocks in the Y Ranch section of Pierce Vineyard in the San Antonio Valley. Block 1 is on a west facing rocky hillside comprised of large chunks of white limestone. Block 3 faces southeast on a slope with decomposed granite.
Their portion of Spur Ranch Vineyard in the Benito Valley is situated on a 1000-foot elevation on a 15 degree south facing slope on the southern side of Chalone Peak with high calcareous content clay over mica schist substrate.
Cedar Lane Vineyard is on a mesa over the river and is well protected from Salinas Valley breezes. The Arroyo Seco appellation is comprised mostly of alluvial deposits from the Ventana Range.
La Belle Rose Vineyard is one of the most northernly Salinas Valley Vineyards. The Chardonnay block is a geologically distinct iron rich granite formation with limestone deposits, found tucked up against the base of Jack’s Hill.

I Brand strives to produce wines filed with character from remote, rough around the edges vineyards with minimal interference in order to allow their wine’s idiosyncrasies shine.This 100% Cabernet Franc is produced from vineyards located in Tres Pinot Creek, (along San Andreas Fault Line), at only 800 foot elevation. A great locale for Cabernet Franc to exhibit Loire-like structure overlaid with the bright fruit befitting California sunshine.

This is a sprightly, textural, mineral-driven bottling that s immediately fascinating yet will be a joy to watch evolve. Light in the glass, it begins with aromas of cranberry, nori wrap, herb-dusted strawberry and a hint of dried blood. The palate shows a rusty edge, offering dried strawberry, crumpled oregano and a hint of green peppercorn. Drink now through 2034. – Matt KETTMANN

– Wine Enthusiast (Septmember 1st 2021), 94 pts