Ratings & Tasting Notes:

90 points James Suckling

Ripe and juicy red with notes of blackberries and mulberries as well as hints of toasted spices and nut shell. Medium- to full-bodied with creamy tannins and mellow fruit character. Fruity finish.

90 points Wine Enthusiast

Pleasantly approachable aromas of blackberry sauce, mace and dried ginger meet with loamy soil on the nose of this bottling. Leathery tannins frame the palate, where rich, dark fruit and asphalt flavors cling to a long finish.

Cult Wines International Notes:

The Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon represents one of California’s most accessible and consistently reliable expressions of the varietal. Wente is historically significant, recognized as the oldest continuously operating family-owned winery in the United States, with a legacy stretching back to 1883 in the Livermore Valley.

The Wine and Terroir: While Wente is deeply rooted in the Livermore Valley—known for its unique gravelly soils that help structure Cabernet—the “Southern Hills” designation often indicates that the wine is a blend of carefully sourced grapes from multiple premium sites across California’s Central Coast region. This blending strategy allows the winery to achieve a consistent style and quality year after year.

Tasting Profile: This Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted to be immediately approachable and fruit-forward. It typically presents a deep garnet color and aromas dominated by dark cherry, cassis, and ripe blackberry. These fruit notes are usually layered with subtle complexities derived from oak aging, such as vanilla bean, toasted cedar, and a hint of mocha. On the palate, it is medium-to-full bodied with soft, polished tannins and a smooth, clean finish, making it highly versatile for food pairing.

The Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its incredible value, offering classic California Cabernet flavors—rich, dark fruit and a plush texture—without requiring extensive cellar aging. It is a benchmark for quality, everyday enjoyment from one of California’s pioneering wine families.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Outstanding condition.

Please note: The condition of the bottle you will receive is accurately reflected by the one shown in the images.