By Rick Riozza
As we are now in holiday mode, every wine column in the world—okay, in California for certain, is covering the top Cabernet Sauvignon wines for consideration in gift giving and its presence on the dinner table.
For as often as we wine columnists proclaim Zinfandel or Petite Sirah to be the “real” California wine we can call “our own”; and, as nostalgic or romantic as that may sound, the lyrical line “Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchichosky the news” comes to mind, when the culinary wine heart of most Californian enthusiasts sing the love of Cabernet Sauvignon over any other rock n’ roll red wine produced here.
And who’s to argue! Just in Napa and Sonoma Counties alone, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the juice coming from this area scores into the stratosphere! Yes—California owes its Cab Sauv heritage to Bordeaux; and the Cabernet Sauvignon produced in the southwest of France there is phenomenal. But the American palate has both voted and shelled out the big bucks and many other bucks: California Cabernet Sauvignon surpasses!
So between the gold-standard Napa Valley Cabs, the intermediate California Cabernets that sell from $15 to $40, and all the value priced Cabs that sell underneath, Cabernet Sauvingon is the number one wine varietal sold in California. And actually, around the world, Cab Sauv, produced anywhere, sells consistently more bottles than any other red wine. Even the generic internet swipes at dicta, stating: “It only takes opening one delicious bottle to understand why. Its full body, prominent tannins, moderate acidity and dryness perfectly complement fruity overtones of blackberry, black cherry and plum.
But our focus here is of course, California Cabernet Sauvignon. And what can we say that hasn’t been said before. Suffice it to state: Love & Marriage, Horse & Carriage, California & Cab Sauv. We are indeed a proud state that produces wine for the ages. And everybody loves it! Even if you prefer a Pinot Noir, a Zin, or a Petite Sirah, you know there’s a ton of respect for our Cab. Our favorites are described below.
Personally speaking though, I think our Cal Cabs are generally too fruit forward—I do prefer the Cabs of Bordeaux—but who the hell am I! Most of you enthusiasts trip over each other quaffing down our precious Cab juice—and may God continue to bless you! Cheers & Cheers! I’m so happy for you folks that I’ll even crowd in the wine bar and enjoy a big fat Cab with all of you!
There are so many delicious California Cabs on the market that for now, we’ll cover the Cabs for all reasons & seasons. Next week’s article will cover the high-priced treats for holiday joy! —so stay tuned!
A couple of our favorite Cal Cabs that are reasonably priced for the quality—and, also match perfectly with the holiday meals are the wines from BV and Stags’ Leap.
Having a bottle or two of the 2020 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($40) on the holiday table will bring immediate happiness to those who know their Cabs. Here, there is balanced acidity and smooth tannins, making it an elegant and versatile pair for a wide range of holiday dishes. With each sip, you will find the palate is plush and inviting with ripe red berries, cherry compote and raspberry preserves supported by silky voluminous tannins and a mouthcoating texture that provides a lovely weight, finishing round and sumptuous.
Next, look no further than the 2021 Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($65). This wine is known for its robust and full-bodied flavor, an attractive flavor profile which many reach for as soon as the holiday songs are playing around the fireplace. You will find this wine’s flavors of ripe dark plum, black cherry, classic redcurrant and hibiscus flower support savory Chaparral sagebrush notes of lavender and Bay Laurel, while the fruit remains bright and boisterous, enveloping the mouth with a medium to full body and lip-smacking appeal.
Come to think of it—another great Cal Cab to adorn the table is the Beringer Vineyards 2021 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($35). Beringer was a pioneer in discovering the Knights Valley area of Napa, and it has capitalized on the “wild” flavors that are distinct features of the region. This bold Cabernet Sauvignon is beautifully structured, but is also richly textured with a long, earthy finish. Vibrant aromas of boysenberry and strawberry preserve combined with bittersweet chocolate flavors make this a wonderful dinner wine that can flow on to the dessert menu.
Okay—let’s cover a couple of Cabs to be picked-up immediately at our local markets when you need one stat!
For those of you who love Monterey fruit try out the 2022 Hahn Monterey County Cabernet Sauvignon ($15). This is a dark-ruby colored wine with vibrant aromas of dark cherry, raspberry and plum with subtle touches of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, silky tannins and excellent acid balance are joined by delicate flavors of deep red cherry, culminating with notes of earthiness on a long and lingering finish.
This can also serve as dessert wine: The deep, fruity flavors of this wine pair well with a warm scone topped with blackberry jam or jelly, as both the wine and blackberry spread share rich, distinctive profiles that harmonize beautifully.
For you hedonists on a budget, the Franciscan Estate has a delightful 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon ($15 is worth reaching for on cooler autumn evenings. Sourced from California vineyards, it has deep, robust flavors of dark cherry and toasted caramel. Not overpowered by oak or tannins, it’s the perfect pair for any fall dish. Consider pairing it with a beef brisket with wild mushrooms or a butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary.
Cheers!
