Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect wine to enjoy on a cold winter evening as it is the ultimate complement to your winter meal and can also be enjoyed as an apéritif in front of a roaring fire. Our February wine offer features a combo pack of six Cabernet Sauvignons at a killer price.

At its best, Cabernet Sauvignon produces wines with deep, dark colors that offer complex scents and concentrated flavors ranging from blackberries, creme de cassis, black cherries, boysenberry, blueberry and chocolate when young, to fragrances of tobacco, truffle, cedar wood, earth, lead pencil and leather when mature.

Here are a few interesting facts about Cabernet Sauvignon you may not know:

It has an interesting family. It is originally from France and its parents are Sauvignon Blanc (really) and Cabernet Franc. Its half-sibling is Merlot–they both have Cab Franc as a “father” but different “mothers.” In blind tastings, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish Cabernet Sauvignon from Merlot, even for pros.

It is extremely popular. It is one of the most widely planted wine grapes in the world, possibly the most planted. The number of plantings world-wide DOUBLED between 1990 and 2010. And it is the most planted vine in the fastest growing wine producing country: China. However, in its home, Bordeaux, Merlot is the more popular planting. Part of the reason for Cabernet’s popularity in the vineyards is that it’s hardy and fairly easy to grow.

The most prized red blends in the world include Cabernet. Bordeaux-style blends (also known as Claret in Britain) can include any combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone and structure for these highly sought after wines.

It ages gracefully. It is one of the most tannic of all the major reds and its phenolic (chemical compounds) allow it to age well. Part of the reason it is so tannic is that it has thick skin and the berries are small. Smaller berries mean more pips and less pulp per berry. Tip: Young, highly tannic Cabs pair beautifully with well-marbled steaks, but aged Cabs (8 to 12 years) have mellower tannins and can pair with a much broader range of foods (including chicken).

It can take the heat. It is late-ripening, and needs a warmer climate to fully mature. In cooler regions, it often exhibits green bell pepper and eucalyptus flavors, which are not considered “wine faults” and are preferred by some wine lovers.

The Offer

2015 A. Rafanelli Dry Creek Valley
A flirtatious wine spiced up with rich elements of dark chocolate and caramelized oak. The dry red cherry and cassis flavors mingle effortlessly around the well-integrated tannins. A young and robust wine that has a wonderful future. This wine is spiced up with rich elements of dark chocolate and caramelized oak. The dry red cherry and cassis flavors mingle effortlessly around the well-integrated tannins. A young and robust wine that has a wonderful future.

2015 Audacieux, Sonoma Valley
Cedar characterizes the taste profile, with full-bodied ripeness packing a punch. Waxy cranberry and currant combine on the nose and entry of this wine, which shows a bitter twist of tannin midway through. Graphite, dried herb and a strong streak.

2015 Dutcher Crossing, Taylor Reserve, Dry Creek Valley
A bold nose rich with ripe blackberries and red fruits, toasty oak characters, hints of cedar and a powerful spice component. Flavors of ripe fruit lay across your tongue along with loads of texture that completely coat your mouth. The acid is perfectly balanced. Emphasizing the structure of this bold wine while showing off the bright fruits and leaving you both salivating and wanting more.

2015 Freemark Abbey, Napa Valley
Opaque, dark ruby color introduces this wine that expresses dark fruit aroma and flavors. With spicy sweet oak complexity, the wine exudes dark fruit such as blackberry, black currant, blueberry and dark cherry. There are nuances of dark chocolate, chocolate berry truffle dusted with cocoa powder, cola, aromatic cedar, cinnamon, clove, graham crackers and a hint of tobacco. The body is very full with a soft entry, coupled with dark cherry/berry flavors that develop from start to finish. With great texture and mouthfeel, this Cabernet is full-bodied, rich and opulent.

2015 Stonestreet, Alexander Mountain
From a high-elevation vineyard estate, showcasing the wide variety of facings, soils and flora found on its primary ridge. Vibrant aromas of brambly blackberry, raspberry, tobacco and sage dominate, while underneath one finds subtle undertones of baking spices and anise. The palate offers dark, savory flavors of black currant, dried cherry, dried Herbes de Provence, and a touch of vanilla bean, enveloped in fine tannins that extend the wine through a lengthy cocoa-powder laden finish.

2016 Tor, Napa Valley
The 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet is a blend from three distinct very steep, mountain single vineyards on Soda Canyon, Mt. Veeder and Spring Mountain. The final blend ended up being 100% Cabernet that shows the amazing texture and structure that is to be expected from 2016. On the palate, there is fantastic richness, mouth-coating tannins and sweet fruit.

Regular Price: $352
Special Combo Offer: $320