California wine production has a rich viticulture history since 1680 when Spanish Jesuit missionaries planted Vitis vinifera vines native to the Mediterranean region in their established missions to produce wine for religious services. In the 1770s, Spanish missionaries continued the practice under the direction of the Father Junípero Serra who planted California's first vineyard at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Wine drinkers today can find many Cabernet Sauvignon options in the market. Some Cabernet Sauvignon wines are sumptuous and fruity, others are savory and smoky. It all depends on where the Cabernet Sauvignon grows and how it’s made into wine.

In California, Cabernet Sauvignon has developed its own characteristic style and reputation, which is recognizable in the world's market. Production and plantings of the grape in California are similar in quantity to those of Bordeaux. In California, the main stylistic difference in Cabernet Sauvignon is between hillside/mountain vineyards and those on flatter terrains like valley floors. We will sample Cabs from three iconic California regions:

Charles Woodson’s Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Paso Robles — Grapes come from vineyard sites with well-draining soils and good exposure. This helps create a juicy, full-bodied wine. Aromas of ripe blackberries, red currants, and dried herbs. The wine is full-bodied with baking spice flavors and plush ripe fruit with a long, fine-grained tannin finish. 14% ABV. $24.99/8.50

The Vice The House Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Napa Valley — Fruit is sourced from four well-known Napa vineyards: St. Helena, Oakville, Coombsville, and Los Carneros. Aromas of ripe plums and blackberries, sweet spices, and cedar. Lively and elegant on the palate with notes of cut strawberries, wintergreen, and crushed stone. Full-bodied with polished, chalky tannins and juicy dark berries in the middle. Generous texture. Drinkable now or hold. 14.6% ABV. $32.50/11

Marietta Cellars Game Trail Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Sonoma — Aromas of fresh black currants and cherries. With a dark, dusty, salty mix of carpaccio, sage, and thyme, the full-bodied palate is light on its feet with softly chalky tannins and bursts of mouthwatering acidity. Inky mulberry stains the mouth followed by puckery intensity, with a silty, dense, mineral-driven finish. 14.7% ABV. $44.99/15

See you Friday!