Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is an iconic category, which sometimes leads winemakers into peril. They aim to produce an important wine, one worthy of reputation and price, but the results can wind up feeling overdetermined: too fruity, too oaky, too sweet, too glossy, too buxom, no nerve, no individuality.
This Cab sidesteps that caricature. The apparent goal is a wine of good drinkability, even-tempered and refreshing, that draws upon the hallmarks of this grape grown well in California. The color is deep ruby garnet, and the robe is fragrant of juniper, juniper berry, wintergreen, mint, and red berries. The body offers light-hearted fruits (red and black, but not blue), with ample drying texture and great herbal astringency, especially at the finish.
It’s a nimble wine that doesn’t reach too far or hard, which makes it an amiable table companion, especially for roasted meats and game.
14.5% abv | $53 (sample)
Sounds lovely. Perhaps a little bit reminiscent of the Heitz Napa Cab?
It’s a Cab with its head on its shoulders.