"Cabernet Sauvignon" news and stories

Cabs Not From Napa - Wine of the Week

by Kristine Hansen, Posted Mar 25th 2011 @ 5:00PM

Root: 1 Wine Cabernet Photo: Root: 1 Wine

More often than not, Cabernet Sauvignon is associated with Napa, just as the Switzerland is linked with chocolate, and Vermont or Wisconsin with artisan cheese.

But I thought it might be fun to look at other wine-growing regions around the world where Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown. One advantage to looking outside of Napa is that the Cabs cost much, much less. (It's difficult to find a quality Napa Cab under $30.) This is true from the state of Washington to Mendoza, Argentina.

Here are six juicy Cabs that I recently sipped and fell in love with -- and none are from Napa.

Filed under: Drinks

Napa Cabernet Sauvignon - Wine of the Week

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by Kristine Hansen, Posted Sep 23rd 2010 @ 5:00PM

Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon Photo: jimg944, Flickr

Napa Valley Cabs are so coveted that they have a cult following, with some wineries like Screaming Eagle Winery & Vineyards, Dalla Valle Vineyards and Harlan Estate either offering opportunities to be put on a waiting list to buy wine or making visits to the tasting room invitation only.

As good as these wines are, most of us don't have between $250 and $1,500 to drop on a single bottle. We did the dirty work for you, sipping and swirling a bunch of Cabernet Sauvignons from this storied region to come up with a list of options that cost much, much less.

2006 "Fuse" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)
Extremely smooth and balanced, this is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (75%) and Syrah grapes (25%). Delicate spice and pepper on the gentle, soft finish is preceded by luscious blackberry and plum notes with some cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg flavor.

2005 Clos du Val Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon ($70)
Leathery, tobacco notes define this wine and give it a masculine bent, yet there are also milk-chocolate and mocha traces that become more pronounced on the finish, which is packed with velvety-soft tannins.

Filed under: Drinks

Grilling Wines -- Wine of the Week

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by Kristine Hansen, Posted Jul 27th 2010 @ 11:00AM

Photo: alisdair, Flickr

Nothing wrong with beer or mixed drinks, but wine at a cook-out is a new twist if you're in search of something different. There's no reason why you need to save your favorite wines for multi-course dinners served indoors. Raid your cellar and see what you come up with, paying close attention to wines with incredible body and spices. Paired with grilled meats and vegetables - even grilled fruits like peaches - new flavor notes arise in the food.

Here are seven wines that are perfect for sipping at a cook-out. You might want to think about chilling the reds for a bit. This won't ruin the flavor profile but it will be more refreshing while you're baking in the sun.

2008 Kendall-Jackson Vineyard Estates Vintner's Reserve Pinot Noir, California ($18)
Pinot and salmon is a classic pairing and that doesn't change when the fish is grilled. A cedar aroma kicks off this Pinot, which is anything but mellow and has an undercurrent of cola flavors that dance with the wild-raspberry fruit notes. Although light in body -- which we like on hot days -- there is still enough spicy flavor that provides wiggle room to encrust spices on top of your salmon. (Because we wouldn't want you to forego any additional flavors, of course.)

Filed under: Drinks

Wine of the Week - Cabernet Sauvignon

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by Kristine Hansen, Posted Jan 19th 2010 @ 4:00PM

Photo: Mr. T in DC, Flickr

Cabernet Sauvignon is among the most storied, sought-after red wines. In the late '90s UC Davis' Department of Viticulture and Enology concluded that the Cabernet Sauvignon grape is an offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It's grown in almost every wine-producing country. California's Napa Valley is home to cult classics like Screaming Eagle, Harlan and Stags' Leap – if you can afford them, by all means sip 'em.

Here, I suggest seven affordable alternatives – a mix of old-timers and some newer Cabernet producers, sourced from varying climates. My food pairing suggestion is to use these Cabs as an excuse to grill meat – whether it's a beefy burger or prime rib. These wines are bold, muscular wines that can stand up to just about any food, but you wouldn't want it to completely overpower a seafood or fruit-infused dish.

Filed under: Drinks

Best Boxed Wines

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by Slashfood Editor, Posted Sep 1st 2009 @ 4:19PM

More people are drinking wine in a box than ever before. Read about the best boxed wines on Slashfood.

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Think Outside the (Wine) Box

by Kat Kinsman
Myths, Truths & Shopping Suggestions

Boxed wines of the past had a deservedly bad rap, but new packaging techniques have enticed makers of excellent vino to get juiced about wine boxes. We sipped and swirled over a dozen of 'em, so keep clicking to get our top picks (and a list of ones to skip) and one heck of a lot of reasons why we think great boxed wine is the wave of the future.

Nicole Goksel

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Think Outside the (Wine) Box

Nicole Goksel

Delicato Bota Box Chardonnay - 2005 (California)

Verdict: We liked it.
Tasting notes: Great floral smell, easy-drinking, a little bit dry
Tip: Once bottled wine has been opened, it's got a 4 day shelf life before it starts to really oxidize and turn. Because the majority of boxed wines are built with a bag-in-box system that doesn't allow air in, it'll stay fresh for at least 4 weeks.

Nicole Goksel

Three Thieves Bandit Pinot Grigio - 2004 (California)

Verdict: Our favorite of the white wines
Tasting notes: Light, herbal, kiwi
Tip: Because boxed wine stays fresh for a significant amount of time, it's easy to keep a box on hand in the cupboard or fridge so you can pour a single glass whenever you'd like -- without having to go to the fuss of opening a new bottle or worrying about waste. It's perfect for those drinking a glass a day for a healthy heart.

Nicole Goksel

Washington Hills Columbia Valley Chardonnay - 2004 (Washington State)

Verdict: We loved it.
Tasting notes: Citrusy, grassy, fresh, slightly chalky
Tip:While a few wines come in 1 or 5 liter boxes, the box you'll usually find on the shelves is the "3 liter cask," which holds the equivalent of 4 bottles of wine.

Nicole Goksel

Banrock Station Chardonnay - 2006 (South Eastern Austrailia)

Verdict: We loved it.
Tasting notes: Peachy, vanilla, not too oaky
Tip: The 3-liter boxes we sampled cost between $11.99 and $29.99, with the average being around $16.99. While the high end of that range might be a bit more than you might wish to spend on an everyday bottle, remember -- you're actually getting 4 bottles worth. Even at $7.50 a bottle, that's still a steal.

Nicole Goksel

Three Thieves Bandit Cabernet Sauvignon - 2002 (California)

Verdict: Our favorite of the red wines (tie)
Tasting notes: Buttery, blackberries, also comes in a 4-pack of single-serving boxes
Tip: Even if you're short a home wine rack, there's no need to worry, 'cause the flat box packaging makes it as easy to store as cereal.

Nicole Goksel

Cintra Venezie Pinot Noir - Non-Vintage (Italy)

Verdict: We liked it
Tasting notes: A bit astringent, complex
Tip: Not so crafty with a corkscrew? No worries, 'cause the tab or cap is built right in-- eliminating the risk of crumbled cork and the resulting air exposure which taints the taste. Taps and screwcaps might have seemed tacky once upon a time, but more and more great winemakers are sealing the deal.

Nicole Goksel

Chateau de Pena Cuvee de Pena Vin de Pays - 2004 (France)

Verdict: Our favorite of the red wines (tie)
Tasting notes: Spicy, hint of blackberries, complex
Tip: If your friends seem resistant to the idea of boxed wine, try pouring in another room, and bringing in the glasses on a tray. Only after they've ooh-ed and ahh-ed, let 'em in on what it is they've been drinking. Great wines can come in square packages.

Nicole Goksel

French Rabbit Merlot - 2004 (France)

Verdict: We liked it
Tasting notes: Cherries, spicy chocolate
Tip: Because boxed wine has been kept under such tight wraps, aerobically speaking, make sure to give it a big ol' swirl in the glass, let it sit for a minute to fully open up and aerate, or dig out that decanter from the back of the cabinet.

Nicole Goksel

Thirsty Lizard Shiraz - 2005 (South Eastern Australia)

Verdict: We liked it very much
Tasting Notes: Plummy, jammy, easy-drinking
Tip: While this might all seem like a packaging revolution, folks in Europe and Australia have known and enjoyed the benefits of boxed booze for a long time. It's the perfect no-fuss way to enjoy the sorts of wines that are best enjoyed while they're still young and fresh -- no wine cellar required.

Nicole Goksel

Filed under: Taste Test