Philanthropy You Can Taste

The story: There are many organizations out there that use wine sales to further their philanthropic ventures. These vary from partial donations of each wine sold, to charity-driven auctions, to extravagant wine tasting galas that donate proceeds to a good cause. While it is a common practice in fundraising circles to give the gifter something in return for their gift, it is important to me that in these cases the portion of proceeds directed to the cause is generous, the recepient is validated, and the 'gift' is worth the cost associated with appeasing the giver. I have had a couple of really bad wines intended for charity, and received enough 'thank you for your donation' Cathy sticker address label sheets, to wish they had just donated the extra $5. (By the way, isn't it a prerequisite of the 'funnies' that they be funny?)




Suffice to say I have found a wine-oriented philanthropic venture that is both worthwhile, and produces a helluva wine. Markham Vineyards in Napa Valley is in its fourth year of the Mark of Distinction grant program. This program provides two $25,000 grants to organizations who seek to give back to their community or town. Nominations and final selection come from the public, allowing the program to respond to immenent need, and innovative ideas each year. While nominations have closed for this year, you can go here begining August 29th to vote for the ultimate recepients.
In addition Markham crafts two wines each year to honor the winners of the grants. The Philanthropist is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Markham's Yountville Estate vineyard, and The Altruist is a Cabernet Sauvignon from their Calistoga Estate vineyard. The grants are not dependent on the sales of these wines, rather the wines are bottled and sold to highlight the program and honor those who are putting Markham's donations to good use bettering the community that immediately surrounds them.

The wine: The Markham Vineyards 2006 The Philanthropist Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep garnet purple, yet remains slightly translucent at its core. The nose has beautiful fruit tones of cherry, fig, and cassis, yet remains earthy and not overtly ripe in its presentation of aromas. This is a great bouquet, and one that brings you back as it continues to open throughout the night. The wine itself is medium bodied and offers fruit and tannin in beautiful balance. There are complex layers of flavor, with plum, blackberry, tobacco, and even some tomato leaf. The finish is long and grippy, but a few years in the bottle has served it well.



The verdict: If you like your Napa Cabernet still youthful, but on the mellowing track, then this wine is drinking beautifully right now. There is a freshness and exuberance here, but a deft balance between fruit and earth, between structure and a sense of relaxation. For me this wine could certainly sit for several more years but has an appeal right now, and it is a stunning bottle of wine. In fact while drinking this wine I even felt okay about its pricepoint, not something I'll often say about a $55 bottle of wine. But this is a multi-layered, highly structured, impressive Napa Cab - and is therefore right in the price range (we could argue the price range as a whole...) So whether you are looking for a new single-vineyard high quality Napa Cabernet to put in your wine fridge, or are eager to participate in voting for this year's worthy community-focused grant recepient, check out Markham Vineyards - a winery that focuses on quality wines, and puts some of their profits back to good work.

This wine was provided as a sample with intent to review.