Andis Wines is a producer on the rise, and their Curse of Knowledge Cabernet Sauvignon is made by the dynamic winemaking duo of Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky.
If you're not familiar with those 2 names, trust me when I say they are responsible for some of the top Cabernets being produced in California today. When they're not making 95-100 pointers at Lail, Hundred Acre, and Melka's eponymous winery, they're helping smaller, family-owned and operated wineries like Andis make their mark.
You can immediately detect this medium-bodied, supple, and delicious Cab is made with care and attention. The aromas are quite complex -- cedar, sage, violet, cocoa, cherry, and blackcurrant. This all leads into a generous, round, and pleasing palate that will have you thinking you're drinking a $25-$30+ bottle of Cab.
Founded in 2009 by husband and wife Andy and Janis Friedlander, Andis Wines makes compelling wines from the diverse soils and terrains of the Sierra Foothills AVA. This rugged region has supported vines for over a century, and today, the wines are better and more polished than ever, and the Andis Curse of Knowledge Cab is a prime example.
Despite the fact it's labeled as Cabernet Sauvignon, this is actually a blend of 86% Cab, 8% Merlot, and 6% Cab Franc aged for 14 months in French oak. Fruit comes from high elevation vineyards, and these cooler sites imbue this wine with a level of complexity and sophistication you will rarely encounter at this price point.
I love the balance of ripe fruit, spices, herbs, juicy acidity, and velvety tannins, and I bet you will too. Drink this on a cold winter's night with a bowl of beef stew, a hunk of aged cheddar, or nothing at all. This is soft and supple, and it works well with or without food.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
