Winemaker Notes
Seductive and full-bodied, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon exudes aromas of fresh berries, black currants and black cherries that are laced with eucalyptus, cedar, and mint. Big and powerful, yet elegant, this Cabernet exhibits flavors of sweet dark blackberry and plum with soft, creamy vanilla that plays well with the unique mineral qualities found only in wines produced in the Sierra Foothills.
The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic for strong flavored foods including grilled meats, lamb chops as well as strong flavored cheeses. It’s also an excellent choice for chocolate desserts such as a molten chocolate cake, bittersweet chocolate mousse or a simple plate of homemade fudge.
Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 9%Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Steely and firm, this wine’s dark berry flavors have a taut mineral frame that gives the feel of a Tuscan red in its firm resolve. It is hunger-inducing, for barbe-cued ribs. Best Buy
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Originally a source of oenological sustenance for gold-seeking miners of the mid-1800s, the Sierra Foothills was the first region in California to produce wines from European grape varieties. Located between Sacramento and the Nevada border, this area’s immigrant settlers chose to forgo growing the then-ubiquitous Mission grape and instead brought with them superior vines from the Old World to plant alongside mining camps.
Zinfandel has been the most important variety of this region since its inception, taking on a spicy character with brambly fruit and firm structure. Amador and El Dorado counties, benefiting from the presence of volcanic and granite soils, are home to the best examples. Bold, robust Rhône Blends and Barbera are also important regional specialties.