Team C&J
VinePair – We Asked 15 Sommeliers: What Cabernet Sauvignon Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck? (2024)
There are some interesting wines here. Nice to see some of our favorites like Kermit Lynch, and Matthiasson called out here.
“Château Aney Haut-Médoc 2015 from Kermit Lynch is my go-to for a really affordable Bordeaux blend with Cabernet Sauvignon as the primary grape. At $27, it’s a steal as far as wine from this region goes. It’s great with food or just fine on its own, and it [offers] Old World style without breaking the bank.” —D’Onna Stubblefield, beverage director, Bloomsday, Philadelphia.
“For the serious pick, Matthiasson Cab is indigenous yeast-fermented, organically farmed, and exudes all the qualities we love from a sturdy, elegant Cabernet.” —Jill Mott, wine director, The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, NYC
NPR – Can the most popular red wine in the U.S. endure climate change?
This summer’s heat has been a major issue, with July marking the hottest on record in California.
As climate change intensifies, wineries worldwide are adapting. They’re using new technology to cool grapes during heatwaves, and some are going even further—replacing high-value Cabernet vines with varieties from warmer regions.
The goal is to find heat-resistant grapes that complement Cabernet, making up for potential flavor loss as temperatures rise. While many Cabernet wines already include small amounts of other grapes, winemakers may need even more flexibility going forward.
At Larkmead Vineyards, for example, unfamiliar grape varieties like Touriga Nacional, Aglianico, Charbono, and Tempranillo are now being cultivated.
WineBusiness – The 2024 Central Coast Harvest is a Bit Early and a Bit Light
The 2024 harvest on the Central Coast is expected to produce a smaller crop compared to last year. This is largely due to the wet and chilly weather in the spring of 2023, combined with smaller, stunted berries caused by this summer’s extended heat waves. Harvest also started slightly earlier than in recent years, though some vintners suggest this marks a return to a more typical schedule. Overall, a 20% reduction in yield is anticipated.
Robb Report – Why Dom Pérignon Scrapped Its Entire 2023 Champagne Vintage
Just as he did in 2001, 2011, and 2014, winemaker Vincent Chaperon made the decision to scrap the entire 2023 vintage.
After months of vineyard work, a full harvest, and primary fermentation, Chaperon concluded that the wine didn’t meet Dom Pérignon’s high standards. Unsatisfied with the quality of the 2023 vintage, he chose to reject the entire cellar of base wine.
Press Release – Paul Hobbs Winery Earns the First ‘100 Points’ For Cabernet Sauvignon From Napa’s Coombsville AVA
Congrats to Paul Hobbs Winery, yet again the 2021 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage is killing it with the critics! I’m starting to stock up on this vintage as I haven’t had a bad one yet!
From the press release: Paul Hobbs Winery, one of California’s most prized Cabernet Sauvignon producers, has become the first to bring a perfect ‘100 point’ score for a Cabernet Sauvignon to Napa Valley’s Coombsville AVA with Decanter magazine’s review of the 2021 Paul Hobbs Nathan Coombs Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The impressive milestone holds significant weight for Paul Hobbs, founder and winemaker of his namesake winery, who invested heavily in Coombsville just one year after it was officially recognized as a sub-appellation.
Currently at $99, get it while you can.
North Bay Business Journal – Napa Valley vintners take battle over Napa County permitting to federal court
While Lindsay Hoopes’ two-year legal dispute with Napa County over winery permits continues in local court, she has teamed up with two other small wineries to take the fight to federal court as well. Both cases involve deeply rooted issues in Napa Valley, such as the preservation of rural character, protection of agricultural land, traffic management, and the growing trend of wineries aiming to attract customers through estate visits and immersive experiences.
In the heart of Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico is Monte Xanic, a world-class tasting winery with an unbeatable tasting experience. Sip Mexico’s finest wines in this desert oasis.
2021 Monte Xanic Edicion Limitada Cabernet Franc 96 PTS
It’s a rare feat for us to be so blown away by a wine that we enthusiastically proclaim that it’s our favorite wine of the year, but the 2021 Monte Xanic Edicion Limitada Cabernet Franc from Baja, California just knocked us off our feet!
And be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Valle de Guadalupe Restaurants and Wineries
And you can check out other great wineries like: Casta de Vinos and Norte 32
When we write a review of a restaurant that’s the caliber of the French Laundry, we like to be as transparent as possible with our readers. So, here’s the bottom line with this three Michelin-star restaurant: Our group spent $1295 per person at the French Laundry before tax and tip.
This broke down to $595 per person + $500 for Wine Pairing + about $200 for supplements.
Was it worth it? No. Would we recommend you dine there? No. Is it overrated? YES.
And the Corkage is $200, but the bottle can’t be on their wine list.
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