California cabernet does, however, have its critics. There is a lot of cabernet produced, and it usually comes from unsuitable places. For starters, there is a lot of highly processed cabernet that is both inexpensive and expensive.
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California Cabernet Beyond the Stereotypes
I suggested that people drink three bottles of wine each month for the third month in a row. These wines were Broadside Paso Robles Margarita Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Domaine Eden Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, and Camp Cabernet Sauvignon 2019.
The aim was to taste three different Cabernet Sauvignon varieties from regions other than the Napa Valley. It’s also important to note that the three wines have a very diverse range of personalities, which I think shows that generalising about California cabernet is incorrect.
The variations in the wines are caused by a number of elements rather than just place and vintage. The intention of the winemaker is the main decisive factor. Every choice, from farming practises to harvest timing to winemaking specifics, is made by the producer with a specific goal in mind.
It’s also important to remember that California cabernet sauvignons sometimes contain blends of several varietals. A wine must contain at least 75% cabernet sauvignon in order to be classified as varietal. The highlighted wines are primarily mixes.
There was only 2% malbec and 8% cabernet in the Camp. Despite its youth and ripeness, it had a cedary perfume and scents of herbs and red fruits. It was also simple to drink despite its youth. Although it wasn’t a lean cabernet, it was well-toned and lacked a lot of the fruitiness found in most Napa cabernets.
Overall, I found it to be a straightforward wine with savoury undertones that was delicious and refreshing. It was $22.00.
Last Words
The Domaine Eden ($51) included 82% cabernet, 11% merlot, and the remaining grapes were petit verdot, malbec, and cabernet franc. It was more than twice as expensive. This discouraged a lot of people from trying it. It was a wonderful encounter.
