Tag Archives: leaping horse vineyards

Cabernet Season is in full swing

In the U.S., and especially in Napa Valley, Cabernet Season is an actual term. It’s a time when the vines are dormant and the weather is cooler; drinking robust red wines is preferred by many during the winter months.

In Australia, however, it is summertime and more than likely people are enjoying white wines with shrimp on the barbie. But that doesn’t stop wine drinkers in the U.S. from enjoying a 2014 Shirvington Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes grown in McLaren Vale. This deep ruby wine is truly a quality cabernet sauvignon, and priced at $58.99 a bottle. Aged for 19 months in 100 percent French oak (33% new oak, 11% 1-year-old oak and 56% 2-year-old oak), the vines were cared for in sustainable farming practices.

Enjoy this medium-to-full bodied wine with hearty dishes and red meats.

In Lodi, where old zinfandel vines rule, there’s also a cabernet sauvignon that leaps to attention. I’m referring to a 2017 Leaping Horse Cabernet Sauvignon made with 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc and 10% syrah — a perfect combination for a wine flavored with black currant and cherry, a bit of blueberry jam, eucalyptus and mint, with notes of vanilla and coffee. Drink it now, seriously! At $9.99 a bottle, you can really stock up for dinners of hearty stews, beef-based soups, grilled BBQ meats and pasta dishes with red sauce. Yes, it works!

Finally, let’s head to Napa Valley to enjoy a 2014 Eponymous Cabernet Sauvignon made with 100% of that noble grape. It’s inky color, deep berry flavor and complexity of aromas: baking spices, rosemary, blackberries make this wine a steal for $59.99 a bottle. The grapes for this polished wine hail from Mt. Veeder and the bench lands below Atlas Peak Appellation. It’s rich earthiness and plentiful tannin structure leads to a lingering finish and a yearning to purchase more of this goodness that goes well with red meats, lamb and cheeses.

Three amazing cabernet sauvignon wines during Cabernet Season. Enjoy!