Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most recognized grape varieties in the world, and it is responsible for some of the most famous wines produced on the planet. Despite its fame, the grape is a relatively young one that came about as a result of a chance encounter between Cabernet Franc (the father grape) and Sauvignon Blanc (the mother grape). It’s a relatively easy to grape to cultivate, and that’s why it’s planted and produced in almost every major wine growing region in the world. The grape’s naturally thick skin results in wines with ample color, flavor intensity, structure (tannin and acid), and the propensity to age well.
With all of that technical information out of the way, we invite you to stop by the store this Friday, December 5th any time between 4 and 7 p.m. to take a World Tour of Cabernet Sauvignon. The style of Cabernet Sauvignon can vary tremendously depending on where the grapes are grown — different soil types, weather patterns, and producer philosophies all contribute to these differences. We’ll have 5 different, highly rated Cabs open for you to try before you buy, and the cost for the tasting is just $5 or it’s free if you’re a Grape Nut. Even better, all of the tasting wines will be on sale at the best prices in town. Join us to taste, learn, and save this Friday at Table Wine.
The Wines
1. 2013 Les Traverses de Fontanes Cabernet Sauvignon (Languedoc, France): Cyriaque Rozier, the highly acclaimed winemaker and vineyard manager at Château La Roque, makes his own wine under the label Château Fontanès in Pic St-Loup in the Languedoc. He farms his vineyards according to the principles of biodyanmics, and his Cabernet vineyard is over 40 years old. Fermentation and aging take place in stainless steel resulting in a pure and natural taste of Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a really neat wine, and I encourage you to stop by and taste what Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like when it’s not aged in oak. 89 points Table Wine
2. 2012 Bodegas Nekeas “Vega Sindoa” Cabernet Sauvignon (Navarra, Spain): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Spain? Yep, and this one sells for less than $15, but drinks like one that would typically run you $25+. Aged for 15 months in new French oak, it smells of “dark berry and cherry complicated by hints of cocoa powder and cola. A jolt of cracked pepper adds spiciness and lift to the sweet, seamless blackberry and blueberry flavors, with a smoky element emerging with air.” 90 points Stephen Tanzer
3. 2012 Fabre Montmayou Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina): Bordeaux-born Herve Joyaux Fabre is the man behind this over-achieving estate, and this is yet another incredible value that sells far south of $15. “It abounds with subtle aromas of cedar wood, incense and a hint of leather intermixed with the crunchy red and black fruit while the palate displays more dusty-tannins with a pungent sapid sensation that I associate with Cabernet Sauvignon. This is very good value. Drink now-2016.” 89 points The Wine Advocate
4. 2012 Finca Sophenia Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina): Finca Sophenia’s Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the great Cabernet values in the world for the 2012 vintage. “The 2012 Finca Sophenia Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is bright ruby-colored, with a clean nose displaying varietal notes of Cabernet, some cedar wood and a chalky feeling. The palate is fresh, with very fine tannins, great purity and length. It has the sophistication of a much more expensive wine. A steal. Drink 2014-2017.” 91 points The Wine Advocate
5. 2012 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County, California): This is consistently one of California’s great Cabernet values and the nearly perfect growing conditions of the 2012 vintage have elevated this to superior status. “Always one of the best buys in Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Sirah, 4% Merlot and 4% Zinfandel) offers a deep ruby/plum color, classic black cherry and blackcurrant fruit intermixed with background spice, and soft, supple tannins. This medium-bodied, easygoing, attractive, savory Cabernet should drink well for 5-7 years.” 88 points The Wine Advocate