At just over 13% alcohol, this Cabernet Sauvignon defies the stereotype of high-alcohol Napa Cabs. It’s a masterclass in balance and finesse, showcasing vibrant red fruits like cherry, blackberry, cranberry, and mulberry, with subtle notes of graphite, cedar, and pencil shavings.
Aged for 20 months in a mix of barrels, including 20% new French oak, this wine blends 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. It highlights a traditional Napa profile with a touch of Bordeaux influence, offering a complex and layered experience.
Its fresh acidity and light tannins make it exceptionally versatile with food. Ideal for pairing with a juicy steak or rich winter stews, this wine offers a refreshing take on Napa Cabernet, proving that elegance and approachability can go hand in hand.
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Description
The 2020 Matthiasson Cabernet Sauvignon Phoenix Vineyard is a groundbreaking example of Napa Cabernet that breaks away from the high-alcohol, heavily oaked norm. With just over 13% alcohol, this wine combines classic Napa richness with a refined, old-school elegance. It offers a bouquet of vibrant red fruits—think cherry, blackberry, cranberry, and mulberry—framed by delicate whispers of graphite, cedar, and pencil shavings.
On the palate, this Cabernet is fresh and lively, marked by light tannins and beautiful acidity that enhance its approachability. The wine benefits from a meticulous 20-month aging process in a combination of new and older French oak barrels, resulting in a well-integrated and balanced profile. The blend includes 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, sourced from six distinct Napa Valley vineyards. The result is a complex and age-worthy wine that pairs perfectly with grilled steaks, rich stews, or braised lamb shank.
Matthiasson’s commitment to earlier picking preserves the bright, expressive fruit, offering a refreshing take on Napa Cabernet. This wine not only exemplifies elegance and complexity but also remains excellent value in the high-end Cabernet category.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Aroma:Blackberry, Boysenberry, Cherry
Palate:Cedar, Cherry, Graphite
Food Pairings:
Game
Poultry
Red Meat
Description
The 2020 Matthiasson Cabernet Sauvignon Phoenix Vineyard is a groundbreaking example of Napa Cabernet that breaks away from the high-alcohol, heavily oaked norm. With just over 13% alcohol, this wine combines classic Napa richness with a refined, old-school elegance. It offers a bouquet of vibrant red fruits—think cherry, blackberry, cranberry, and mulberry—framed by delicate whispers of graphite, cedar, and pencil shavings.
On the palate, this Cabernet is fresh and lively, marked by light tannins and beautiful acidity that enhance its approachability. The wine benefits from a meticulous 20-month aging process in a combination of new and older French oak barrels, resulting in a well-integrated and balanced profile. The blend includes 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, sourced from six distinct Napa Valley vineyards. The result is a complex and age-worthy wine that pairs perfectly with grilled steaks, rich stews, or braised lamb shank.
Matthiasson’s commitment to earlier picking preserves the bright, expressive fruit, offering a refreshing take on Napa Cabernet. This wine not only exemplifies elegance and complexity but also remains excellent value in the high-end Cabernet category.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Aroma:
Blackberry, Boysenberry, Cherry
Palate:
Cedar, Cherry, Graphite
Food Pairings:
Game
Poultry
Red Meat
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Blackberry, Boysenberry, Cherry
Cedar, Cherry, Graphite
Game
Poultry
Red Meat