Behind the Cork™ - Paso D'Oro Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso D’Oro Cabernet Sauvignon ($22)

Paso D'Oro is a winery venture by the Terlato Wine Group that focuses on producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon from the Paso Robles region in California. The name translates to "Way of Gold," paying tribute to the golden California sunshine and the "golden path" taken by the winemaker's family.

The wines are crafted by Laura Orozco, who was appointed as the winemaker for this venture in 2022 after her successful tenure at Napa's Chimney Rock.

The grapes for this wine are from four different American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Paso Robles including the Estrella District, San Juan Creek District, Geneseo District and the Highlands District. Each block has a different elevation, soil type, row direction, clone and rootstock.

Paso D’Oro Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petite Sirah and 4% Alicante Bouschet. Each individual vineyard block was fermented individually using several different yeast strains. It was aged 8 months in 25% new barrels.

This wine is deep ruby in color with wonderful aromas of black fruit. On the palate, this Paso D’Oro Cabernet Sauvignon has rich dark fruit flavors as well as vanilla and caramel from the oak aging. The tannins are medium-high (decant for 30-60 minutes) and the acidity is medium. It finishes with rich dark-fruit flavors.

Paso D’Oro Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific wine that’s attainable at a really great price. That makes it a perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Barkan Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon

2020 Barkan Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.99)

Barkan Vineyards is located a half-hour driving distance from both Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem in Israel. And, yes, it’s a Kosher wine. But not just a Kosher wine, a really good Kosher wine!

Barkan Platinum is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are grown in the Upper Galilee. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is aged for 18 months in “phenomenal” French oak barrels that provided unique characteristics to the wine.

Barkan Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon is deep ruby in color with a nice aroma of dark fruit and spices. On the palate, this wine is rich in dark fruit flavors. The oak and bottle aging has smoothed out the tannin for a soft mouthfeel. It finishes rich and soft.

If you’re looking for a really good Cab, that just happens to be Kosher, look no further. Barkan Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon is a great wine at a tremendous prices. That’s a perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Behind the Cork™ - Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

2021 Frei Brother Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($16)

Frei Brothers has been a part of Sonoma County for over a century. After coming to California from his native Switzerland, founder Andrew Frei first established vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley in 1890. His two sons, Walter and Louis, eventually took over and adopted the name Frei Brothers. They successfully ran the winery for over 70 years.

Frei Brothers vineyards caught the eye of Julio Gallo soon after the repeal of Prohibition. He began using the site as a vineyard source for the rapidly growing E. & J. Gallo Winery. Once Walter and Louis had both retired in the late 1970s, the Gallo family purchased Frei Ranch.

This Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma. It is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon although some technical listings suggest it is may include small amounts of Merlot and Petite Sirah. It is deep purple in color with subtle aromas of dark fruit. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has medium-high tannin (give it some time in a decanter before serving), and medium-high acidity. There are notes of blackberry and plum. It finishes lean.

The 2021 Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available and very well priced for a Cabernet from Alexander Valley. That makes it a nice fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Behind the Cork™ - Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon

2021 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99)

When Chateau Ste. Michelle was founded in 1967, many believed great wine could only come from Italy or California. Their founders set out to prove otherwise—and in doing so, established Washington’s first premium winery.

From the beginning, Chateau Ste. Michelle helped put Washington State on the global map through terroir-driven winemaking, innovation, and award-winning craftsmanship.

Today, it remains the most iconic winery in Washington and a leader in shaping the future of American wine.

This 2021 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Syrah that was aged for approximately 19 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels.

This Cabernet is deep purple in color with subtle aromas of black fruit and herbs. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has flavors of black cherry, black berry and plum jam. It has medium tannins and acidity (ABV=14.5%). It finishes with some herbal and peppery notes.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon is a nice one that’s affordable and widely available. A perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon

2023 Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.99)

Bezel is a new wine adventure from the famed Cakebread Family of wines.

Since 1973, they have made wine in Napa Valley at Cakebread Cellars in Rutherford, California. But with Bezel, they are breaking out of Napa to find the hidden gems of California wine country in the Central Coast.

In this case, the Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon is from Paso Robles. It was produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. It spent 14 months in French oak.

Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon is deep purple in color with aromas of black cherry and plum with a bit of spiciness. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has nice flavors of red and black fruit with distinct boysenberry notes. The tannins and acidity are balanced and it finishes with just a hint of tartness. (wine was decanted for ~1 hour before tasting)

Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon is part of the great Cakebread family of wines. It tastes great, is very affordable and widely available. A perfect fit for the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Bezel Winery via Kobrand Wine and Spirits