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Top 10 California Cult Cabernets

California first built its reputation for wine on cabernet sauvignon. A number of these producers became cult classics, sought after before they were even bottled. Here are ten to try from some of the best sunshine state wineries.
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California first built its reputation for wine on cabernet sauvignon. A number of these producers became cult classics, sought after before they were even bottled. Here are ten to try from some of the best sunshine state wineries.

Napa Valley, California, United States

Paul Hobbs has a spectacular worldwide reputation as a wine consultant and works with nearly three dozen wineries in California, Chile and Argentina. Hobbs also owns two wineries: Viña Cobos in Argentina, and Paul Hobbs in California. This rich, full-bodied red wine offers aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, pepper and cassis. Full-bodied with terrific structure and length. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: braised meats, herbed steaks, venison. Alcohol: 14.5% Sweetness: Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2016 Best Beef Wine Top Rated Red Wine Price: $38.95 Score: 91/100 LCBO: 118695

Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States

Classic, tannic, decant 2 hours or cellar it. Black fruit and smoke. Great balance. Alcohol: 13.4% Sweetness: Extra Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2017 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Price: $29.95 Score: 90/100 LCBO: 50427

Sonoma County, Napa County, California, United States

Dependable, consistent, good. Dark fruit, almost full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled meats. Alcohol: 13.5% Sweetness: Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2015 Pizza Pleaser Wine Price: $22.95 Score: 87/100 LCBO: 331603

Napa Valley, California, United States

Full-bodied, towering structure and incredible depth. One for the cellar if you can't wait. Dark fruit and a juiciness wonder on the finish. Alcohol: 14.5% Sweetness: Extra Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2017 Gorgeous Gift Wine Price: $109.95 Score: 93/100 LCBO: 80218

Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States

Full-bodied and tight and tannic, needs to relax like a newly minted Manhattan socialite. Aromas of dark fruit, smoke and non-sale days at Saks. Alcohol: 13.7% Sweetness: Extra Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2017 Gorgeous Gift Wine Price: $87.95 Score: 92/100 LCBO: 943472

California, United States

Classic California cabernet: this red wine offers attractive aromas and flavours of dark red fruit, toasty oak and some cassis. Structured and layered. Give it some cellar time. Alcohol: 14% Sweetness: Extra Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2017 Gorgeous Gift Wine Price: $115.95 Score: 92/100 LCBO: 292300

California, United States

Dark and brooding with aromas of dark chocolate and espresso-coffee from the generous oak aging. Full-bodied with fleshy black fruit. It would do well in the cellar. Decant for 2 hours when opening. Alcohol: 14.9% Sweetness: Extra Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2020 Gorgeous Gift Wine Price: $155.95 Score: 93/100 LCBO: 220459

Napa Valley, California, United States

Mocha, coffee and toasty oak open up to fleshy black fruit on the palate. Layered complexity and satisfaction. This robust red is a blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% each Petit Verdot and Merlot grapes. Pair with filet mignon. Alcohol: 14.5% Sweetness: Dry 750 ml Drink: 2014‐2018 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Top Rated Red Wine Price: $49.95 Score: 92/100 LCBO: 91058

Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States

Full-bodied, balanced and juicy with classic blackcurrant and blackberry aromas and flavours. Juicy and mouth-watering. Pair with brisket. Alcohol: 13.5% Sweetness: Extra Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2017 Best Beef Wine Price: $24.95 Score: 90/100 LCBO: 25221

Sonoma Mountain, California, United States

Concentrated, deep, almost savage like the eponymous Jack London wolves in Call of the Wild. Classic aromas of blackcurrant and cassis. Full-bodied with a tannic grip. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with wild game, what else? Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: herb-crusted lamb grilled rare. Alcohol: 14.5% Sweetness: Extra Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2017 Luscious Lamb Wine Price: $37.95 Score: 90/100 LCBO: 944843

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