Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red grape varietal in the world. Its parents are Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Its origins are in the Bordeaux Region in France, though it is now planted in many areas of the world. In fact, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted red varietal on the planet. So why doesn’t every winery grow it and make this wine? Like other grapes, Cabs require a certain set of soils and microclimate to thrive. Temperatures must remain warm long enough to fully ripen (Cabs require a longer growing season than its parent, Cabernet Franc, for instance). Though the skins are thick and the vines are hardy, they are also low-yielding. The low yield is another factor in why a winery owner may choose not to grow Cabernet Sauvignon. But the flip side of the low yield component is the intensity of the flavor of this grape.
New Jersey produces some excellent versions of this famous wine. The following are a few of my recent favorites:
- Turdo Vineyards-In my opinion, their best Cab to date. In other words, wonderful! Full-bodied, with velvety smooth tannins. I tasted this one shortly after it was bottled and it was already amazing.
- Tomasello Winery 2014 Palmaris Cabernet Reserve-Excellent full-bodied Cab with great aging potential. The Palmaris reserve wines take Tomasello wines to another level.
- Amalthea Cellars 2015 Clone II Cabernet Sauvignon-If you can get it, a real treat! It was rated 92 by the Beverage Tasting Insitute in 2018.
- Autumn Lake Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon-An excellent Cab; very small production. I was sad to hear that the 2016 would be the last vintage, in part due to the low yield of these grapes. I have to see if they have any left in stock!
- Natali Vineyards NV Cabernet Sauvignon-Not as intense or full-bodied as the others in this group, but smooth and very good. I should add that Natali currently has a 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon for sale that I have not tried (yet).
Fortunately, I have four of the five listed above in my cellar. Pictured above from left to right: Natali NV Cabernet Sauvignon; Turdo Turis 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon; Tomasello 2014 Outer Coastal Plain Palmaris Cabernet Reserve; and Autumn Lake 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. I always enjoy the big reds, like Cabernet Sauvignon, even more in the colder months.
I am also eagerly looking forward to trying the Old York Cellars 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Rated 93 by the BTI). I plan to visit there soon.
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- Federal Twist Vineyard-The Garden State’s newest winery.
- Wine Competitions
- My Recommended NJ wines for Your Thanksgiving Dinner
Still need a copy of New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine? Get $5 off the print copy at store.bookbaby.com/book/New-Jersey-Uncorked Be sure to enter the coupon code at checkout: Holiday19
Want it now, with no shipping and handling charge? If you have a Mac, iPad, or iPhone you can download it immediately and get it for $10.99 with the $2 coupon: Holiday19 Just go to the Apple bookstore and be sure to use the coupon code.
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Like what you read and see here? Consider subscribing and getting your weekly pour of New Jersey wine right in your inbox. No spills, no mess.
