Behind the Cork™ - The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.99)

The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon is created to honor the man many call the first American, Benjamin Franklin. Ben Franklin was a passionate man who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and campaigned for colonial unity during the American Revolution.

The Federalist wines are from Terlato wines that has a global portfolio of more than 70 brands from world class wine producers in more than a dozen countries.

This 2017 Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon is produced with multiple grape varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah, Sangiovese. The different blocks were fermented separately to preserve the characteristics of each. Each block then spent an average of 18 days on the skins. It was then aged for 15 months in oak (34% new oak).

The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon is medium ruby in color with nice aromas of dark fruit. On the palate it is full-bodied, fruit-forward with medium tannin, subtle oak influences and an easy finish.

The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon can be found in most stores, wine shops and on-line. It is attainable and affordable making it a great fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

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

Samples Provided by Terlato Wines via Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.99)

The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon was created to honor Benjamin Franklin who was a passionate man who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and campaigned for Colonial unity during the American Revolution. The Federalist’s passion for winemaking rivals that of Ben Franklin’s for the country.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is from Lodi in the middle of California’s central valley. With more than 100,000 acres of vineyards, it is twice the size of Napa Valley.

The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Zinfandel and a combined 2% of Petite Sirah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Different blocks were fermented separately to preserve the characteristics of each. They each spend an average of 18 days on the skins during fermentation and then finished with 15 months in oak - 35% of which was new oak.

While Lodi is known for producing big and bold wines, the Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon actually leans toward being a medium-bodied wine with notes of sour cherry, plum, and blackberry. The tannins are quite soft and this Cab finishes with light notes and medium acidity.

This Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon is another good one that’s affordable and attainable - Just right for being featured as a Behind the Cork™ wine of the week! Cheers!

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

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Thomas Allen Generations

2016 Thomas Allen Generations Red Blend ($7)

This was a new one to me. I’d previously tried the Thomas Allen Cabernet Sauvignon, but wasn’t aware of their red blend.

Thomas Allen is owned and operated by third generation wine grape growers, Thomas Michael Stokes and Allen Lombardi, who grown their grapes in Lodi, CA.

This Thomas Allen Generations is a blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Tannat that makes for a very full-bodied wine. Bright fruit aromas and a hint of pepper hit your nose while its flavors include dark fruits, plum and sour cherry. The oak also gives this red blend nice vanilla and mocha flavors.

It’s an easy one on the palette, low tannin and a light finish.

This is yet another wine that fits the Behind the Cork™ mold being a great value that you should be able to easily find. Enjoy this one. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2015 Thomas Allen Selections Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon ($7)

Generally, when I see a California Cab under $10 I don't pay too much attention. But this Cab is from Lodi, a region I really like. And, while Lodi isn't exactly the best-known region in California for Cabernet Sauvignon, I decided to give it a try. And I'm really glad I did.

It turns out that Thomas Allen is not one person but a pair of third generation wine grape growers; Thomas Michael Stokes and Allen Lombardi.  The Stokes have a family tradition of growing exceptional wine grapes having planted their first 45 acres of Zinfandel near Lodi in 1954.

This Cab is rich and full-bodied with flavors of blackberry and black cherry, with hints of spices. The oak aging also led to subtle flavors of vanilla and chocolate.

The Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week is all about being affordable and attainable. The is certainly great value wine and I only hope it remains widely available.  Keep your eye out for this one and pick up a few.  I certainly did. And am headed back for more!

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2015 Cline Family Cellars Lodi Zinfandel ($6)

Excellent Zinfandels come from Lodi. And, at $6 for this one is a steal. Along with being a great value, this Cline Zinfandel has real nice spice and pepper notes with nice fruit that isn't jammy.

Wines at this price point can sometimes by iffy, but don't skip this one because of the low price. Pick it because it's a Zinfandel from Lodi.