Cabernet: The number One Choice for Gifts & King of the Holiday Season

By Gina Trippi

Despite your personal preferences in wine, Cabernet Sauvignon is King worldwide. And The world’s most popular red wine grape is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux.

But when you visit a wine shop, even Metro Wines, the wall of bottles of cabernet sauvignon can be baffling. What’s the difference? A lot.

Hang time, climate, picking, processing and location, location, location, to consider. Haven’t we all had enough to think about this year? Make it easy on yourself and give a bottle that says that you respect the recipient. Metro Wines has chosen four of our greatest hits.

Obsidian Ridge Volcanic Estate 2021, $43

The winery says Estate Cabernet is the signature wine of Obsidian Ridge Vineyard speaking to the complexity and wildness of the site. The extreme climate, altitude, and volcanics of the site result in a wine with intense color, aroma and flavor, with a freshness and minerality.

Vines planted in 1999 in red volcanic soils, shot with black obsidian, are subject to an unforgiving mountain climate.

Low humidity, cold nighttime temperatures, and ultraviolet exposure contribute to developing small grapes with dark color, thick skins, and intense flavors. Obsidian wines are the only Cabernet Sauvignons in California, perhaps the world, aged in 100% Hungarian oak barrels.

The source forest in Tokaj is planted to the same oak species used in France.

Jordan Alexander Vallery 2018, $70

Rich aromas of black cherry, says the winemaker, Mission fig and dark chocolate mingle with clove and nutmeg. The palate is filled with flavors of blackberry and boysenberry that are enveloped in silky tannins, showing complexity beyond its years.

Enticing flavors of vanilla bean and hazelnut carry through a velvety richness that lingers on the finish.

Enjoy now after decanting for 45 minutes or cellar through 2038. The 2018 met rave reviews including 90 Points from Wine Enthusiast, 93 Points from Wine & Spirits, and 93 Points from The London Wine Competition.

Caterwaul 2021, $63

Respected Wine Critic Jeb Dunnock awarded 93 Points saying: “The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley has to be one of the great values out there.

Classic darker currants, tobacco, chocolate, and some gravelly earth notes all define the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has a round, supple, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish. It’s more than worth its going rate.”

Wine Critics agreed this wine exceeds its shelf price. Robert Parker Wine Advocate awarded 91 Points saying this wine is “boasting gently herbal notes of sage and bay leaf that perfectly complement the ripe black cherries, it’s full-bodied, rich, concentrated, velvety and long.”

Vinous rated Caterwaul 2021 at 90 points saying the wine “is packed with blueberry, lavender, licorice, dark chocolate, mocha and sweet spice.” Both reviews emphasized the exceptional quality for the price, calling Caterwaul “a value.”

Standing by to make shopping for a gift of Cabernet Sauvignon easy.

Metro Wines Asheville

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