If you think Californian Cabernet Sauvignon are all powerful and brawny, try this.
Herbaceous on the nose suggesting an earlier harvest which is good to balance the ripe fruits. Ripe blackcurrants and dark cherries but not jammy which is a big plus in our view. Full bodied, fine tannins but elegantly textured by Californian standard. This is a superb value Californian Cab Sauv with some bottle age! Very limited!
Our bottle stayed fresh and fruity for over 2 weeks with vacuum pump preservation. After two weeks, it can be drunk on its own. i.e. without food. You can try it too. Drink half a bottle and leave the other half for a week later if you use vacuum pump or argon gas (Wine Save). Perfect balance of Cabernet Sauvignon character (some herbaceousness) and ripe black fruits. Even better than when it was opened fresh.
Rafael prides themselves as a single vineyard and single variety producer. They make Cab Sauv, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir etc. For more info:
Food Pairing: Roast chicken (western styled) or roast beef.
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: USA
Region: Oak Knoll AVA (foothills of Mayacamas Mountains)
Alcohol: 13.9% ABV