Tasting Notes For Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry red wine rich in color, tannin and extract. It expresses notes of blackberry, cassis, plum, currant, spice and tobacco. In the Old World youll often find the more earthy side of Cabernet Sauvignon wine. In warmer regions like California, Washington, Argentina, Chile and Australia, you can typically expect more upfront fruit flavors.
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Daylight Wine & Spirits
This Sonoma-based winery proudly claims to make wine for people, not critics. They source grapes from some of the best family vineyards throughout Napa, Sonoma, and Paso Robles for all of the wines that go into The Founders Club, a quarterly shipment of three, six, or twelve bottles. The wines are easy-drinking and approachable, with names like Mr. Moodys Potion, Ammunition, Badgerhound, and Trollop, and have whimsical labels to match. From $90/shipment, 3-12 bottles/shipment.
Courtesy of Daylight Wine & Spirits
Best Classic: Chteau Cos Destournel Saint
courtesy of bordeauxtradition.com
Region: Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France | ABV: 13.5% | Tasting Notes: Cassis, Graphite, Chocolate-covered cherries
Whether its a genre-defining hip-hop album or a seminal Hitchcock film, sometimes you just need to go back to the old-school offerings to make sense of the new stuffand its hard to imagine a more classic interpretation of cabernet sauvignon than Château Cos dEstournel. This famous estate can trace its winemaking roots back to 1811, and was classified as a second growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, making it one of the elite producers of the region, says Coppi. It is a an absolutely stunning wine with the blend consisting of predominantly cabernet sauvignon along with merlot and a splash of cabernet franc.
As is the case with any serious Bordeaux, some patience is necessary if you want the wine to express its true potential. In their youth, these are monolithic, muscular, powerhouse wines, says Coppi. After a decade or more of cellar aging, the complex layers and nuance of the wine unfold in the glass leather, tobacco, cassis, violets, graphite, black tea, stewed plums, chocolate covered cherries, and coffee are framed by silky tannins and fresh acidity. Its an old-school track worth waiting for.
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What Our Members Are Saying
We have been members for 30 years and have watched Sequoia grow and mature. The wine club experience has always been wonderful, like being in a family. The staff are always very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, which makes for a magnificent experience, and of course the wines speak for themselves.
Debra and Michael Jackson, Members since 1991
More On How To Read Wine Labels
Some people may not be picky about the appellation or vintage of the wine they drink, as long as it tastes good to them. Eric Asimov said, Peoples motivations for choosing their wines are not, in my opinion, open to criticism. We agree. For some, a decent price, good branding, and a refreshing, straightforward beverage are all more important factors than knowing where the grapes came from or how the wine was made. But if you do care about those details, or you simply want to pay a fair price for your private-label wine, the following tips can help you choose well.
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The California Wine Club
This is the best wine club for aged Cabernet. It offers members a monthly delivery dedicated to their aged Cabernet series, called the Cabernet Wine Club. Members of this unique wine club enjoy a monthly subscription to two bottles of aged Sonoma and Napa Valley Cabernets.
Members also receive a well-curated guide to the winery that provides fantastic insight into what youre drinking and the people behind it. This brochure includes tasting notes that compare the young and aged flavors of the wine, plus wine pairings.
In addition, this premium wine club provides every member with access to a personal wine consultant who takes your wine preferences into account for each shipment. For this reason, the California Wine Club is the best wine club to sample rare Napa cabs from large- to small-production wines.
And if you happen to be out in wine country, members of the California Wine Club have VIP access to tours and tasting rooms at all of the wineries featured.
While this wine club is on the pricier end of the spectrum, it comes with some important member benefits. There are no hidden fees you can cancel at any time. The California Wine Club continuously extends its Love It guarantees to ensure customer satisfaction, so you dont have to worry about ending up with the wrong bottle.
Dont Overspend On White
Elizabeth Schneider, host of the Wine for Normal People podcast, told us most clubs arent really offering you a savings. Theyre acting as both the distributor and the retailer, so theyre cutting out all this margin that you would normally have to pay. But then they mark it up. It should be cheaper, but in reality youre likely paying the same amount of money, she said. Once you factor in the cost of shipping and sales tax, the average price per bottle increases even more.
A lot of clubs selling private-label wines claim they are rare or exclusive, which is technically true since the label is unique to their subscription service and often cant be bought elsewhere. But thats not an indication of quality, nor is it a reason to charge more for wines that may cost significantly less to make. You can find similar-quality wines at lower prices from stores like Costco, Trader Joes, or BevMo. So it may not be worth it to buy these types of wines through a wine club, unless your biggest priority is the convenience of home delivery. Also, these brick-and-mortar stores can typically offer a better deal for their wines because theyre bought in bulk. You can also find plenty of great wines for under $20 at your local wine shop.
A lot of people just assume wine is a pastoral agricultural product. But the vast majority of wine is as much a processed product as breakfast cereal. Eric Asimov
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The Top Cab Is Is The 2016 Chteau Pape Clment Pessac
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Liquor / Chloe Jeong
From its ancestral homeland in southwest France, to the sun-drenched vineyards of California and Washington, to emerging footholds in Tuscany, Australia, and South Africa, cabernet sauvignon stakes a fair claim as the most beloved wine grape in the world. A recent study revealed that its now the worlds most widely-planted grape variety, up from fourth place as recently as 1990 .
Besides consumer preference shifting toward so-called varietal wines, another cause for cabernet sauvignons meteoric rise is that its relatively easy to grow the grape berries are known for their thick skin and natural ability to flourish in a wide range of climates. More important than its ease of cultivation, however, is the fact that cabernet sauvignon is simply delicious. Bold and sturdy, with satisfying dark fruit flavors and big tannic character, its a crowd-pleasing favorite thats almost never absent from a restaurant wine list .
Our Wines Have Received Glowing Accolades
It has a vibrant and lively palate with pungent flavors, great acidity and a salty, extremely tasty finish.
Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate
This brilliant Cabernet-based cuvée comes from the Andean side of the valleycomplex, savoury, deftly oaked red with fine-grained tanninsLong and refreshing on the palate.
Tim Atkin, MW
rich, bold, ripe dark berries and plums with a very juicy, fluid build of fruit flavors and tannins and a finale of spicy oak.
James Suckling
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Best Cabernet Sauvignon For Any Budget
Cabernet Sauvignon is King. If youre looking for the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Ive rounded up my favorites and the best of the best at every price point.
Cabernet Sauvignon the drink of romance, mystery, and sophistication. Whether you are sharing a bottle with someone special or enjoying it all to yourself on a lazy Sunday afternoon, few wines can evoke as much pleasure.
Rich ruby hues that lead to captivating aromas of ripe cherry and blackberries bursting with earthy notes: who wouldnt be drawn in? Theres no denying why Cabernet Sauvignon is beloved by wine lovers around the world just one sip takes you away!
Keep reading to learn more about the legendary and best Cabernet Sauvignon bottles and what makes them such an irresistible favorite for so many connoisseurs!
How to determine the best Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon is known as one of the best wines in the world because of its agability and deep, complex flavor structures. The best Cabernet Sauvignons will be balanced, with racy acidity and thick, lush tannins that provide the backbone for it to age and develop tertiary flavors, such as dried fruit, leather, and earth.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full bodied wine that typically displays a range of red fruit and dark fruit flavors, such as cherry, blackberry, and black currant. Oak aging adds additional vanilla, cedar, coconut, and spicy notes.
How long to age Cabernet Sauvignon?
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Where Does Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Come From
Originally, cabernet sauvignon came from the Bordeaux wine region in France. As Cabernet Sauvignon grapes can easily adapt to various climates and terrior, this wine grape can grow in many locations. However, two areas are most famous for producing incredibly delicious cab Napa Valley in California and Bordeaux in France.
The following are also excellent cab options: Sonoma Valley, Italy, Australia, and Washington cabernet sauvignon.
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Sire Estate Houyi Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2014
- VarietyCabernet Sauvignon
- AppellationNapa Valley
Only sometimes do we have an opportunity to feature older vintages at ACME, and seldom do library wines make it into our club curations. Therefore, the team was elated to discover the hidden gem Sire Estate, which has been quietly making 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from some of Napas premier vineyard sites since 2012. And learning that Vintner Tom Buck was willing to extend most of his remaining bottles of the 2014 Houyi Vineyard to ACME for our Apexers was almost too good to be true. This tiny brand has flown mostly under the radar since its inaugural release. It is a sleeping giant with heavy hitter Julien Fayard behind the wheel, producing less than 200 cases of pure, unadulterated Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with each vintage.
To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
The story of Robert Mondavi Winery begins here, with the To Kalon Reserve. This tier represents the pinnacle of the wines we produce.
97.5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Fresh AciditySmooth Finish
The story of Robert Mondavi Winery begins here, with the To Kalon Reserve. This tier represents the pinnacle of the wines we produce.
97.5% Cabernet Sauvignon
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Chateau Buena Vista 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Origin: Napa Valley, California, USAPrice: $40ABV: 15%
In the 1860s Buena Vista covered more than 6,000 acres that ran up into the foothills and into Napa County. In 1861, their founder, Count Haraszthy, journeyed to Europe to procure the finest grapevines. While in Bordeaux, he declared, Cabernet Sauvignon is its unsurpassed grape the wine made of it possesses splendid color and an exquisite bouquet. Taking choice cuttings back to California, he propagated them at Buena Vista and brought Cabernet Sauvignon to the Napa Valley. The Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates and honors Buena Vistas indelible presence and significant contributions to the California wine world. Sourced from vineyards from Yountville to St. Helena, the wine was aged for 28 months before being racked and aged an additional four months in French oak barrels, 40% new. It was then bottled unfiltered.The wines color is a rich crimson red. It opens with aromas of black cherry, blueberry, cardamom and cedar. On the palate, flavors of ripe dark fruit, spices and toasted oak unfold, all framed in by elegant tannins and good acidity leading to a long finish.
> For more information, visit the Buena Vista official website.
How Does My Discount Work
Your discount has already been applied to the price of your selected Cabernet Sauvignon subscription wine club. Your discounted shipment of either 3, 6, or 12 bottles of our 2019 vintage will begin processing immediately after your purchase a subscription. Once you have completed the checkout process and joined your selected tier of the Unwritten Wine Club, your discount will be applied to all new purchases automatically. If you have any additional questions or experience any issues with your order or discount, please email .
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Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot
While cabernet sauvignon and merlot share similarities , they bring different flavors to the table. In general, merlot has a fruit-forward taste, while cab offers a more bitter flavor.
Cabernet Sauvignon is made from thick-skinned grapes, while merlot is made from a thinner-skinned grape. They are also harvested at different times, as merlot grapes ripen much more quickly.
As these two wine varieties share similarities, it should not be surprising that the most popular type of cab combines cabernet and merlot grapes. This type of wine is known as a Bordeaux blend.
Subscription Price: Starts At $3995
- Membership Plans: Every 3 months
- Money Back / Satisfaction Guarantee: Yes
- Customer Support: Call during extended office hours weekdays and weekends email mail
- Gift Memberships & Gift Cards: Yes
- Cancellation Policy: Cancel or pause shipments at any time
Laithwaites was a roaring success in the UK before conquering the wine landscape of the USA. Its huge membership allows it to get hold of artisanal wines from every corner of the wine world and deliver its gems to members. You can opt for all reds, whites, or a mix of both in the knowledge that the cost per bottle is something to say âcheersâ to.
Itâs unlikely youâll find Lathiwaites wines on the shelves of your local cava or supermarket as this clubâs wine experts are extremely picky about their selections, all of which are driven by the preferences of members.
You learn as you sip too. Every delivery arrives with valuable background information on the wineâs origins and detailed tasting notes so you can really get trips with what you like and base your future selections on this insight.
Laithwaites wowed judges at the prestigious International Wine Challenge who crowned it the âMerchant of the Yearâ.
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St Francis Winery & Vineyards
Its no wonder so many of the St. Francis Patron Society wine club members have been active for decades. In addition to curated wine allocations, members also gain exclusive pricing and access to the beloved Sonoma County winerys small production Artisan & Icon collection and their nationally-acclaimed culinary experiences, special accommodation pricing with local lodging partners, and entrance to the Member Parlor & Terrace where they can sip new releases while taking in stunning views of the estate vineyards and Mayacamas mountain range. From $150, 4-12 bottles/shipment.
Lamoreaux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
This deep, dark reddish-black wine has aromas of sweet blackberry syrup with hints of pomegranate and mint. The wine is brooding and dark with notes of white pepper, spice and cassis. The rich cassis notes carry through on the palate, lending layers of flavor to this big, rich, classic Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon. Decant when young or cellar 10-15 years. Winery Exclusive93 Points James Suckling93 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate94 Points Jeb Dunnuck
Retail Price: $120 | Club Price: $96
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What Is Cabernet Sauvignon Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine variety made from the cabernet sauvignon grape. This wine typically offers a higher alcohol content, around 14%. Also referred to as Cab, this wine is well-known for its high level of tannins, which softens the more extended the bottle ages.
Since cabernet sauvignon grapes are produced worldwide, it is a readily available wine that typically has a more affordable price tag. Cabernet sauvignons are available as single-varietal wines or as blends.
What Is Cabernet Sauvignon Wine
A guide to cabernet sauvignon basics, with everything you need to know about this famous red wine!
Cabernet sauvignon is a widely planted wine grape highly popular in the US. This wine was created by accidentally breeding red cabernet franc grapes with white sauvignon blanc grapes. This happy accident produced the most well-known red wine in the world.
Below, youll find a complete guide that answers the question, What is cabernet sauvignon?.
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Learn About Our Wine Through Video
Become part of our familia, and create your own unique collection of beautiful, Chilean wines.Choose a club level that suits your lifestyle.Pick your own wines if the club selection doesnt interest you.Shipping is complimentary for purchases of 2 bottles or more.Wines are always discounted for our members on all purchases.There are no barriers to joining now.
Become part of our familia, and create your own unique collection of beautiful, Chilean wines.Choose a club level that suits your lifestyle.Pick your own wines if the club selection doesnt interest you.Shipping is complimentary for purchases of 2 bottles or more.Wines are always discounted for our members on all purchases.There are no barriers to joining now.
The Aged Cabernet Series
Unlike many wine clubs who only focus on the profitability of each bottle, The California Wine Club is a woman-led business which emphasizes excellent customer service, excellent gift-giving, and they only work with small family wineries who otherwise would have a difficult time getting their wines to market in a wine industry dominated by really big names.
A speciality wine club if ever there was one, this one-of-a-kind subscription offers sought-after Napa Valley & Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon which has been perfectly cellared for 7-12 years. If you already love to age wine or are curious about the experience, this is a must-try subscription.
Here are some of the recently-shipped wines: 95-point Roy Estate 2005 Estate Grown Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine, 96-point The GRADE Cellars 2013 Winfield Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and 94-point Clouds Rest Winery 2013 Égoïste Sonoma County Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
All of their wine club shipments include Uncorked, a full-color magazine which details that months featured wines, wineries, and winemakers. Subscribe on an ongoing basis or choose 1-12 shipments and have them sent monthly, every other month, or quarterly. They also offer an industry-leading satisfaction guarantee, called a Love It! Guarantee: if you dont love a wine, you can get something else shipped out for free.
Side note: to my knowledge, this is the only aged wine subscription in the US.
Want to know more?Read my full review or Shop it
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