Latest news with #CabernetSauvignon
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
The Top American Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards
A map of the USA made from wine corks. getty Six American wines took top honors at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Two California wines received Best of Show honors, while four wines earned Platinum medals. Below are brief descriptions and tasting notes on the six wines that Decanter judged the best in America. Clos du Val is a historic Napa Valley estate, renowned since the 1970s for crafting elegant Bordeaux varietals. Their Stags Leap District Cabernet Franc combines site-specific finesse and structured richness. The wine is a blend of 84% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, and 2% Carmenère. The wine features aromas of dark cherry, graphite, and fresh herbs. The palate showcases flavors of plum, subtle oak spice, with silky tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is long and polished with lingering black fruit notes. The DWWA Judging Panel described the wine as 'a show-stopper: opaque black, with a carnival of scent in which spice, flowers and damsons mingle with carefully schooled abandon. On the palate, the wine has splendid depth and width, just as its Cabernet Sauvignon offspring so often does in Napa; the difference is a lightness of touch here, an aerial grace, and a lithe ease of line to the tannins; the acidity remains tenderly supportive. Rarely does a wine from Stag's Leap leap so gracefully; the result is memorably drinkable.' Kenwood Vineyards is deeply rooted in Sonoma winemaking. The Six Ridges series highlights the distinctive mountain ridges that define Sonoma's terroir. This Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon shows the impact of regional terroir on California cabs. The wine features notes of ripe blackberry, cassis, and hints of mocha. The palate is rich and full-bodied, showcasing ripe dark berry richness, integrated oak, firm tannins, and a brisk acidity. The finish is long and structured, with lingering notes of red and black berries. The DWWA Judging Panel described the wine as showing 'a significantly different style to Napa: amply fleshed, yes, but with a savory, mountain wildness to that flesh, and with a different acid emphasis. The blend, with its seasoning of Petite Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, surely also plays a role in lending this wine its intriguing complexities.' 'It's black-red, with open, affably fruity aromas lent depth by a dry-forest warmth; on the palate, the wine has both breadth and depth as well as a compelling inner sweetness. The acidity is low but soft, while plump tannins with that distinctive savory nuance bring the wine resolution and balance.' Aerial view of vineyards in the Napa Valley wine country of CA as shot from a hot air balloon. Napa County is known for hundreds of hillside vineyards. Hot air ballooning is a popular activity for tourists. getty Four wineries, all based on the West Coast, were awarded Platinum medals at the 2025 DWWA. All four wines received a score of 97 out of 100 points. The tasting notes are drawn from the official Decanter Judging Panel's comments. Walla Walla-based Echolands Winery focuses on expressive, terroir-driven wines. The Blue Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc showcases the valley's bright fruit and refined structure. The wine is floral on the nose, featuring vibrant aromas of red currant and raspberry, with subtle notes of green pepper. The palate is medium-bodied, with fresh acidity and polished tannins. The finish is long and clean, with lingering minerally notes. Chandon California, the American arm of Moët & Chandon, has pioneered méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine since 1973. Etoile Brut is their flagship cuvée, aged extensively for layered complexity. It was selected as the highest-rated American sparkling wine. The wine features a fine mousse, exhibiting aromas of baked apple, brioche, and almond. The palate is creamy yet bright, with flavors of pear, citrus zest, and toasted nuts. The finish is long, elegant, and crisp, with lingering notes of apple and brioche. Cupere is a boutique label in the Sonoma Coast AVA, renowned for its minimalist winemaking approach. 'Faces' reflects coastal Pinot Noir's purity, with vivid fruit and earthy nuance. The wine features aromas of wild strawberry, cranberry, and a subtle hint of forest floor. The palate is light-bodied and silky, showcasing pronounced red berries with soft tannins and a brisk acidity. The finish is long, clean, and refreshing, with lingering notes of red berries. Domaine Serene is a benchmark Oregon producer acclaimed for its polished Pinot Noir and Chardonnay bottlings. Yamhill Cuvée highlights the best lots from estate vineyards across Yamhill County in Oregon's Willamette Valley. This wine is typically expressive and aromatic on the nose, featuring aromas of black cherry, rose petal, and baking spice. It's medium-bodied on the palate, with a silky texture that showcases layered red fruit notes and subtle oak nuances. The finish is usually long and elegant, with lingering notes of red fruit. The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is one of the world's largest and most influential wine competitions, organized annually by Decanter magazine since 2004. It attracts thousands of entries from over 50 countries, judged blind by top wine experts, including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers. Renowned for its rigorous judging process and international credibility, a medal from the DWWA is a mark of exceptional quality and global recognition. Winning wines often gain significant attention from collectors, retailers, and wine enthusiasts alike. These six red wines, from three of the most exciting wine AVAs on the West Coast, were judged America's top wines. If your preference is for red wines, these six wines are not to be missed. They offer the layered, nuanced complexity characteristic of superb winemaking as well as an authentic representation of their regional terroir. Whether your passion is for Oregon's superlative Pinot noir or California's world-class Bordeaux blends, these wines are truly at the pinnacle of American winemaking.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Brooklyn Beckham in new legal row after splashing out on £11m mansion and turning his back on parents in UK
BROOKLYN Beckham has been involved in yet another legal battle with a booze brand - this time with a luxury wine company. The 26-year-old has been caught up in a second legal battling regarding trademarking names for his businesses after running into issues with his hot sauce firm and various spin offs with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. 3 Brooklyn Beckham has been locked in another legal row Credit: Getty 3 Brooklyn and Nicola recently bought their first home in LA Credit: Getty He's currently battling the makers of alcohol brand Becks over his application to rubber stamp the name 'Becks Buns'. But now we can reveal that he was involved in another tussle with an alcohol maker when trying to trademark 'C23', which is the shortened name of his hot sauce brand Cloud23. A California wine business , Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, shot back at his plans, which were lodged officially by his company, Buster Hot Sauce Inc, against the trademark. The business is a luxury alcohol brand based in the wine region of Napa Valley, known for being frequented by A-listers. Read More on Brooklyn Amongst some of the company's products are the very pricey Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard which is known as the Cask 23. Depending on the year of the vintage, a bottle can set you back a few grand with the Cask 23 Cab Sav from 2018 currently selling for around £2,000. Cask 23 is currently stocked at luxury retailers including Selfridges, the most recent one is from 2021 and costs around £280. In order to avoid a battle with the company, Brooklyn's firm deleted the classification of all types of booze from the application they made. Most read in Celebrity A rep for Brooklyn could not be reached for comment. So far, Brooklyn hasn't managed to trademark any of the names related to his hot sauce company, namely, two versions Cloud 23, C23 and Becks Buns. Brooklyn Beckham takes swipe at David and Victoria amid 'family feud' as he shares tribute to wife Nicola Peltz The Sun beer had objected to his plans. The beer's German parent firm Brauerei Beck & Co has opposed it and been granted an extension until next month to file documents. The company is part of alcohol giant AB InBev, which produces one in four lagers sold worldwide, including Stella Artois and Budweiser as well as Beck's. Brooklyn launched his first hot sauce, "I've never worked so hard on anything in my life.' His parents attended the launch event in LA. However, insiders said their relationship has ' family feud . As the feud rumbles on, it was revealed that Hollywood mansion. It means he has put down roots 5,540 miles from his London-based dad David and mum Victoria - and shows no sign of returning home any time soon. Last night a source said: 'Brooklyn's wife is American, as are her family whom he adores, and he feels his life now is Stateside. 'As an influencer he can work from anywhere but Brooklyn believes he has more opportunities in LA. It will be a dagger to the heart for his parents. "Until now, the couple have always been renting so there was hope his relocation wouldn't be permanent. 'This house purchase quashes any last hopes.' 3 He has been unlucky when it comes to his trademark battles Credit: Getty
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Cabernet Franc Rising In Napa Valley
Cabernet Franc grapes, the 'father of Cabernet Sauvignon,' are gaining in popularity in Napa Valley For years, the Cabernet Franc grape has been considered just a blending grape in Napa Valley, overshadowed by the bigger, bolder, and more famous Cabernet Sauvignon grape. But recently, more Cabernet Franc wines have appeared in Napa Valley, almost always selling out immediately to avid customer lists. Another interesting fact is that Napa Valley Cabernet Franc grapes have been more expensive to purchase than Cabernet Sauvignon since 2016. According to the Napa Valley Crop Report, Cabernet Franc averaged between $500 and $1000 more per ton than Cabernet Sauvignon. For example, in 2023, Napa Valley Cabernet Franc grapes averaged $10,633 per ton, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon averaged $9235 per ton. Plus Cabernet Franc wines taste distinctly different from Cabernet Sauvignon wines, even though Cabernet Franc is considered 'the father of Cabernet Sauvignon' and is the older grape. Known most as the signature red grape of the Loire Valley where it produces medium-bodied savory wines tasting of dried berries, herbs and aromas of violets; in Napa Valley, it becomes more fleshy with velvety tannins, ripe black currants, many different spices, and a nose of violets. So what is up with Cabernet Franc in Napa Valley? Why is it more expensive than Cabernet Sauvignon? Why does it consistently sell out to consumers, but not many wineries produce it? Is Cabernet Franc rising as a new wine trend in Napa Valley? To answer these questions, I attended the Napa Valley Auction this year (which raised $6.5 million for local charities) and approached the seven wineries that featured 100% Cabernet Franc wines at the barrel auction, out of 100 winery auction barrels. These seven wineries included: Antinori Napa Valley, Barnett Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars, Crocker-Starr, Covert, Frog's Leap, and The WineFoundry. Over the course of our conversations and tastings, three clear themes rang through in the answers of all seven winemakers and winery representatives as they talked about the special attributes of growing and crafting Cabernet Franc wine. 'The reason so few wineries grow it is because it is harder to grow and needs to be grown in the right type of soil,' stated Pam Starr, Co-Owner and Founding Winemaker with Crocker-Starr Winery. 'Cabernet Franc vines need to be planted in a soil that is well draining so that you keep the balance and the freshness of it.' This may be partially why only 1224 bearing acres of Cabernet Franc are grown in Napa Valley, compared to over 25,000 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, according to the Napa Valley Crop Report. David Tate, Winemaker and General Manager with Barnett Vineyards, agrees with Pam Starr. 'We grow our Cab Franc at the top of Spring Mountain. It's cooler there with well-draining soil, but the vines still get enough sun to ripen fully. I don't like a Cab Franc if it tastes green,' he said. However, he also added that his small production sells out right away every year to the wine club. 'People enjoy trying it, because it is something different. It is lighter in style than Cab.' Due to its tendency to exhibit strong herbal and bell pepper flavors if not grown in the right location, several winemakers described the challenge of 'taming the green notes,' in Cabernet Franc. 'It's a harder grape to grow and to get ripe to avoid the pyrazines (green notes),' stated Nikki Williams, Winemaker with Cakebread Cellars. 'But when planted on well-draining soils, it produces a light and elegant style wine with pure fruit, lovely floral aromas and an attractive spicy cigar box note.' Emily Floyd, Director of Sales and Hospitality at Covert Winery, admitted, 'When I was 23, I had an 'aha moment' when I first tasted Cabernet Franc. I fell in love with the grape but quickly realized that it's rare to find a good one. But at Covert, it's delicious.' And she was right. The Covert Cabernet Franc barrel offering was brimming with ripe berries, spice, and a very smooth, elegant, and velvety long finish. 'It was made by our consulting winemaker, Julien Fayard, and Assistant Winemaker, Sam Buckingham. It sells out immediately when we release it each year,' she reported. Pouring Wine Samples at the Napa Valley Barrel Auction 2025 Each of the seven winery representatives also commented on how Cabernet Franc, due to its lighter and more elegant style, seems to be gaining increasing appreciation from consumers. 'Cabernet Franc is all about nuance and restraint,' stated Stuart Ake, with The WineFoundry, who produced a stunning example, made from grapes grown in the Stagecoach vineyard. 'People are starting to appreciate all the layers and elegance, versus the power of a big Cabernet Sauvignon. And It seems to attract a much younger audience who are more adventurous and open to exploring new things.' Jamie Alonso, Cellar Master with Antinori Napa Valley agreed. 'We always used to use Cabernet Franc as a blender, but now a lot of young people like the fresh, lighter style.' Jessica Hager, DTC Manager with Frog's Leap spoke to changing consumer tastes. 'Consumers today want something lighter and the profile of Cabernet Franc delivers this, plus provides a nice savory element.' Indeed the Frog's Leap wine is very light and elegant, with pure fruit and spice — crafted in more of a Loire Valley style, but with the added sunshine of Napa Valley. 'I believe that our organic farming methods help to ensure that our wines do not have the pyrazines of some cab francs,' she concluded. David Tate with Barnett Vineyards added, 'People enjoy trying it because it's something new after they've been tasting Cabernet Sauvignon all day. Then they get to try Cab Franc and it's fresh and floral and different.' The other aspect of Cabernet Franc wines is that it makes a great wine to pair with many different types of cuisine. Because of its lighter style and crisp acidity, it can even be matched with heavier seafood dishes and grilled vegetables, as well as the classic beef and lamb. 'I've been swarmed by sommeliers all day long because they are attracted to cabernet franc wines to pair with their restaurant food,' stated Stuart Ake, with The WineFoundry. 'I love the wonderful spices in Cab Franc, especially when the green notes turn into a dried chipotle with cardamom, cigar, and tobacco notes,' added Pam Starr of Crocker-Starr. 'It's my favorite wine to pair with food,' said Jaime Alonso with Antinori. 'I think it pairs especially well with lamb chops and Italian food.' Visitors Celebrating at the Napa Valley Barrel Auction 2025, Louis Martini Winery Other highly rated Cabernet Franc wine brands from Napa Valley include: Caladan, Realm Cellars, Turnbull, Chappellet, La Jota, Pahlmeyer, Lithology, and Lang & Reed, amongst others. So is Cabernet Franc rising in Napa Valley? Well, it appears that consumers are quite attracted to its lighter more elegant style and most of the wine sells out to wine club members upon release. But currently, very little Cabernet Franc is grown in Napa Valley, so scarcity could also be playing a role in the high sales record. But will Cabernet Franc ever replace the powerful and very lucrative hold that Cabernet Sauvignon has on Napa Valley, with some of the most expensive and collectible wines in America comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa? Perhaps the answer lies in the words of Stuart Ake of The Wine Foundery: 'I will trumpet the subtle nods and elegant restraint of the Cabernet Franc grape until the end, but it doesn't mean I also don't appreciate the depth, breadth and chiseled muscle power of Cabernet Sauvignon.' So both styles of wine are equally attractive. In the end, it is positive to see Cabernet Franc as a new rising star in Napa Valley, even if it may be lighter than the bright wattage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Teresa Wall, Communications Director with Napa Valley Vintners, agrees: 'It's exciting to see vintners across Napa Valley focusing on the Cabernet Franc variety and consumers becoming more curious about this remarkable grape,' she concluded.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Aldi brings back its sell-out $11.99 wine named best in Australia
Aldi has brought back its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon - crowned one of Australia's best red wines - and it only costs $1.60 per glass. The Reschke Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, priced at just $11.99 per bottle, has returned to shelves just in time to enjoy over winter. Shoppers can get a taste of the best-selling drop, which has earned multiple accolades - including a silver medal and four bronze - in 2024 alone. The Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted from fruit grown on the family's vineyard estate in South Australia, is deep ruby in colour with enticing aromas of blackberry and cherry. The palate of this rich, full bodied wine with its supple texture reveals layers of fruity flavours and spicy French oak characters, delivering silky tannins and a lingering finish. 'Wonderfully rich and enticing, this full-bodied wine has blackcurrant and classic dark fruit characters and it's a multi award winner,' ALDI's Wine Expert and Director of Buying Jason Bowyer said. The fan favourite tipple has taken home several coveted titles, including a silver medal at the ANZ Boutique Wine Show 2024 and bronze medals at four of Australia's most prestigious wine competitions. It even scored a near-perfect 95 out of 100 after impressing a panel of judges - including renowned sommeliers, winemakers and journalists. 'A silky palate with lots of refinement and details. Impressive fruit core and power held up by tannins and acidity that lead a duo act in unison,' one judge said. The description on the bottle reads: '2022 proved to be an exceptional year, with the region experiencing average rainfall throughout the winter, and a mild growing season. 'Above-average temperature in January resulted in minimal variability between bunches, and the dry conditions through the summer allowed the grapes to slowly ripen and develop an array of nuanced flavours. 'Stable growing conditions permitted picking at optimum flavour and ripeness levels, resulting in high quality wines showcasing vibrant fruit expression, balanced acidity and finely integrated tannins with outstanding cellaring potential.' In addition to the award-winning drop, Aldi has released its latest collection of seasonal wines for less than $15 pre bottle. The curated selection serves up locally sourced wines and world-quality drops at low prices, with the most affordable glass of red in the range pouring for 90 cents (McGuigan Black Label Red 1L, $8.99). 'As the temperature drops, there's nothing like a glass of red to warm things up - whether you're unwinding at home or sharing a hearty meal with friends and loved ones,' Mr Bowyer said. 'With everything from a bold Shiraz to vibrant European varietals, our winter red wine range brings rich flavour and top-notch quality to your table without stretching your budget. 'This year we're seeing a balance of both worlds - with some wine drinkers looking for more lighter and fresher styles, while others stick with those classic, full-bodied favourites. 'Fortunately, when you look at Aldi's selection of drops this season, there is truly something for every person and price point.' ALDI'S 10 winter reds for under $15 McGuigan Black Label Red 1L: $8.99 Tavernello Organic Sangiovese 750mL: $8.99 Pierre Chainier Vin De Sud Pinot Noir 2024 750mL: $9.99 Brown Brothers Winter Red 2024 750mL: $9.99 The Standing People 'Lighter in Alcohol' Pinot Noir 2024 750mL: $9.99 Corte Carista Montepulciano D'Abruzzo DOCG 2021 750mL: $11.99 De Bortoli Bella Riva Heathcote Grenache 2024 750mL: $11.99 Reschke Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Cellar Reserve 2022 750mL: $11.99 Wynns 'The Sliding' Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2023 750mL: $12.99 Eastern Laneway Vintners Grampians Shiraz 2024 750mL: $14.99
Forbes
07-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
What's The Difference Between Pinot Noir And Cabernet Sauvignon?
Bunches of various grapes ready to be harvested If you've ever stared blankly at a wine list, wondering whether you're more in a Pinot Noir mood or a Cabernet Sauvignon mood, you're not alone. They're two of the most famous red wines on the planet—but they couldn't be more different once you get to know them. Think of Pinot and Cab like siblings at opposite ends of the family reunion: one's charming and a little high-maintenance, the other's bold and probably playing backyard football. Here's your friendly guide to what really separates these two classic reds—and how to choose the right one for your glass. Someone's hand pouring red wine into a wine glass in a home environment. Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape that's famously delicate, which means it needs cooler climates and a lot of love (and luck) to thrive. It's light-bodied, often pale in color, and it tends to highlight fresh, pretty fruit flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, is basically the golden retriever of grapes: strong, adaptable, and happy almost anywhere, especially in warm climates. It's full-bodied, darker in color, and typically comes with a bigger flavor punch. If Pinot Noir is ballet, Cabernet Sauvignon is a heavyweight boxing match—graceful versus powerful, but both seriously impressive. mostly empty wine glass on top of freshly harvested pinot noir grapes in a bin Pinot Noir tends to be lighter and brighter. Expect flavors like: Good Pinot is all about elegance, balance, and subtlety. It's like a conversation at a fancy dinner party—you listen carefully and appreciate the nuance. Cabernet Sauvignon goes bigger. It brings flavors like: Good Cab is bold, structured, and often feels like it's laying out its argument in a booming voice. (And spoiler: it usually wins.) Photo of red wine poured into glasses from bottle on blurred background of a vineyard right before ... More harvest, with hanging branches of grapes. With cork and vintage corkscrew If you want something smooth and easygoing, Pinot's your pal. If you want something with serious structure that you can practically chew on (in a good way), go for Cab. wine pour. Cheese and grapes in the background Pinot Noir shines with lighter foods: roasted chicken, salmon, mushroom risotto, even a good old mushroom pizza. It's incredibly food-friendly because it's not trying to muscle over the meal. Cabernet Sauvignon is built for big flavors: think grilled steak, braised short ribs, rich cheeses, and anything else that could use a strong, tannic hug. One quick test: if the dish is delicate, reach for Pinot. If it's hearty enough to survive a medieval banquet, grab the Cab. Shelves with a variety of quality wines in a store, restaurant or wine shop Pinot Noir can be pricey because it's hard to grow and even harder to get just right. (Thanks, heartbreak grape.) Cabernet Sauvignon tends to offer more reliable options at a range of prices, especially from places like California, Chile, and Australia. That said, there's plenty of affordable Pinot out there—you just might have to hunt a little harder. (And maybe make friends with your local wine shop staff.) Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon may both be red, but they're really two very different drinking experiences. Go for Pinot when you're feeling elegant, a little contemplative, or when dinner is more about subtlety and finesse. Reach for Cab when you want something bold, hearty, and unapologetically full of flavor. Either way, you're winning—because the only real mistake is not having a second glass ready.
