McClain Cellars is dedicated to creating wines that delight the palate and tell powerful stories. Freedom’s Journey is part of our new Black Heroes Collection, a series of five wines honoring some of America’s most revered black heroes. Each bottle in this collection tells a story, and “Freedom’s Journey” embodies the strength and spirit of one of the most courageous figures in American history: Harriet Tubman.

A Tribute to Harriet Tubman’s Legacy

“Freedom’s Journey” pays tribute to Harriet Tubman, a woman whose name has become synonymous with the fight for freedom and justice. Her courageous actions along the Underground Railroad are a testament to her indomitable spirit. Born into slavery, she escaped to freedom and then risked her life repeatedly to help others achieve the same. Her work reshaped the course of history and continues to inspire the fight for liberty today.

This wine embodies the essence of Tubman’s legacy. Each sip reflects the boldness of her escapes, the strength of her resolve, and her unwavering commitment to liberating others. The 2020 Freedom’s Journey is more than just a drink—it is an experience that connects the present to the past while inspiring hope for the future.

A Closer Look at 2020 Freedom’s Journey

Wine Profile

Our 2020 Freedom’s Journey is a vibrant red blend crafted in the Santa Ynez Valley, composed of 90% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah. It is a medium-bodied wine that bursts with flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, and boysenberry, accompanied by a subtle hint of white pepper. With a tight grip and a soft finish, the wine showcases the complexity and depth that the Syrah grape can offer.

The aging process contributes significantly to this wine’s unique character. The wine is aged for 36 months in a combination of 80% French oak and 20% American oak barrels. This ensures layers of subtle oak nuances that complement the fruit-forward profile. At 15.2% alcohol by volume, it offers both strength and grace—mirroring Harriet Tubman’s own qualities.

Syrah: The Star of the Show

Syrah is a grape known for its versatility and depth, making it an excellent choice to represent Harriet Tubman’s legacy. Originating from the Rhône Valley in France, Syrah thrives in a variety of climates. Additionally, it produces wines with a wide range of flavors, from rich, dark fruit to peppery and earthy notes. In the Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah develops bold, ripe fruit flavors, enhanced by the unique terroir of the region.

The Syrah in Freedom’s Journey offers a perfect balance of fruitiness and spice. Its blackberry, dark cherry, and boysenberry notes are complemented by a peppery undertone. It truly delivers a wine that is both intriguing and enjoyable. Likewise, Petite Sirah (a descendant of Syrah), adds additional depth and complexity to the blend. The perfect touch to round out the flavor profile with its own subtle spice and tannins.

Pairing Perfection

Pairing wine with food can be a delightful adventure, and “Freedom’s Journey” offers many opportunities for exploration. The medium-bodied nature of this Syrah-based blend makes it a versatile companion to a variety of dishes. Try these recommendations that bring out the best in this wine:

• Grilled Lamb with Roasted Mushrooms: The earthy flavors of lamb and mushrooms complement the dark fruit and pepper notes in the wine. The meat’s richness is balanced by the wine’s acidity, creating a harmonious pairing that enhances both the food and the drink.
• Barbecued Ribs: The wine’s robust flavor profile pairs wonderfully with smoky, tangy ribs. The acidity of the wine cuts through the fattiness of the meat. Moreover, the fruit flavors complement the sweetness of barbecue sauce.
• Roasted Duck with Plum Sauce: The juicy, tender duck meat paired with a fruity plum sauce brings out the wine’s berry notes. Furthermore, the peppery undertones provide a pleasing contrast to the dish’s sweetness.
• Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt: For a surprising yet satisfying dessert pairing, try dark chocolate with sea salt. The wine’s dark fruit flavors complement the rich, bittersweet chocolate, while the hint of salt elevates the entire tasting experience.
• Black Truffle and Garlic Artisan Popcorn: This delightful luxury popcorn is made with black truffle olive oil, garlic olive oil, white pepper, and Himalayan sea salt. Indulge in fresh air-popped popcorn with white hulless corn from Amish country. The fresh herbs and spices bring a balanced flavor and elegant touch to the wine’s fruity forward.

Celebrating Freedom’s Journey

Enjoy this wine with a hearty meal, a sweet dessert, or simply on its own. Reflect as each sip connects you to a story of strength and inspiration. The Black Heroes Collection represents our commitment to honoring diversity, history, and changemakers through the art of winemaking. Thus, this series celebrates the legacies of Black heroes who have made a lasting impact on the world. McClain Cellars prides itself on creating well-executed wines that blend art, science, and tradition.

Harriet Tubman cover image: Wikimedia/Weinchrist