The Federalist brand - a Terlato wine - is the "preferred wine sponsor of the San Francisco 49ers," according to my publicist friend. The PR department promises that The Federalist, a Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs well with "any tailgate specialty." We can only assume that the promise is good even if the tailgates aren't on norcal trucks.
The 2017 Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon was reportedly created to honor the man who many consider to be the first American, Ben Franklin. Franklin was a passionate man who helped draft the Declaration of Independence, campaigned for colonial unity during the American Revolution and they say he liked his wine. His likeness appears on the label. Their other wines feature George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, the Statue of Liberty and the bald eagle. The winery bills itself as "America's craft wine."
The Federalist is a bold blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, with splashes of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Sangiovese. Aging took place over 15 months, in 35% new French oak. Alcohol hits a moderate 13.5% abv and the retail price is a reasonable $18.
This wine is medium dark in color and has dark notes on the nose - plums, blueberries, cassis. The oak aspect of the aromas is not overpowering, but it is definitely there. The palate tastes somewhat sweet, with fruit and oak spice showing right up front. A savory angle comes in later - forest floor and minerals, mostly. The tannins are workable, but not overbearing. This wine won't make Napa vintners run scared, but it is a pleasant bottling and a pretty good everyday wine.
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