This dark, purple gem of a classic Bordeaux blend consists of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec. The fruit was sourced mainly from Napa County from both mountain (Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak, Mt. Veeder) and valley floor vineyards (Yountville, Oak Knoll, St. Helena), with an additional component from Rock Pile and Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County. According to the winemakers, the wine “leaps from the glass with intense aromas of black currant, blackberry and ripe black cherry. Complex layers of the wine’s bouquet continue to evolve in the glass, showcasing hints of crushed volcanic rock, mocha, subtle spice, and slow-toasted French oak. This compelling wine possesses a gorgeous mid-palate, fantastic structure, elegant refined tannins, and an engaging finish.”
Tether is another project by Mario and Anna Monticelli, the hard-working, wine-loving couple who also produce Stackhouse Cabernet. Anna and Mario both have viticulture and enology degrees from UC Davis and years of experience in the Napa Valley and Europe. Anna was assistant winemaker at Seavey Vineyard for two years and then Bryant Family Vineyard for five. She has been the winemaker at Piña Napa Valley since 2007. Mario’s father was born in Italy but emigrated to California, where he made wine at Gallo for 50 years. Mario worked a harvest in Tuscany at Villa Antinori, and then spent four years as the assistant winemaker for Philippe Melka, a consultant for many Napa Valley wineries. He became winemaker at Trinchero Napa Valley in 2007. Mario and Anna have full-time “day jobs” as winemakers or winemaking consultants; produce their own labels not only in the Napa Valley, but in Piemonte, Toscana, Abruzzo, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy. Oh! They are also raising three children.
The label depicting an astronaut “tethered,” presumably to a spaceship, appears whimsical but also conveys a deeper message about life, humanity, and community. As we each step out and make our lives, we best stay tethered to our families, our friends, our communities, and the Earth… And what better cord exists to bind us together in a good life than good wine and food!
Country | USA |
Region | California |
Appellation(s) | Napa Valley |
Winery | Tether |
Vintage | 2021 |
Color | Red |
Varietal(s) | 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec |
Closure | Cork |
Volume | 750ml |
Bottle Size | 8.0 x 30.5 |
Case Size | 32.5 x 24.5 x 31.5 |
Alcohol | 14.5% |
Product Code | TE21NCB |
UPC | 670533992914 |
92 points (2019 vintage) – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
Aromas of black currant, blackberry, and hints of mocha and rocky mineral lead to flavors of dark fruits accented with floral, mineral, and spice notes. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is rich and layered (but not overbearing) with velvety tannins and toasty oak that linger long into the finish.
Aged in 100% French oak (60% new) for 19 months.