Winemaker Notes
The 2017 showing of Freakshow Cabernet spotlights the power and finesse embraced by Michael David’s Strongman! This Cab is deep garnet in color with aromas of cranberry, dark chocolate, vanilla and exotic spice. He’s larger-than-life, medium in body, and boasts bold flavors of raspberry, cocoa nib and pepper that stand out from the oak and spice-laden finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This bold, flamboyant wine shows a deep, dark color and extravagant aromas of mulled fruit and baking spice. The palate is delicious in ripe black-fruit flavors that are framed by soft tannins that seem to melt in the mouth. For all its big features, it’s easy to drink and appreciate.
Covering the most vine acreage in the state compared to any other red wine variety, Cabernet Sauvignon produces as much wine in California as Merlot and Pinot Noir combined. The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates, as well as the freedom of its winemakers, allow for an incredible range of wine styles from this single grape.
California’s most famous region—and especially for Cabernet Sauvignon—is the acclaimed Napa Valley. While Cabernet is successful throughout the world, rarely has it achieved such merit as it does from the Napa Valley. At this point the two are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other.
Napa’s closest neighbor, Sonoma County, does an impressive job keeping up with Napa’s fame and glory. Alexander Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Moon Mountain and Knights Valley contribute to the lot of some of California’s top-rated Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lake County in California’s North Coast has become a focus for some of Napa’s more respected growers. From the Central Coast come iconic examples of classic California Cabernet; Lodi and the Sierra Foothills are great budget-friendly sources of amicable Cabernets.