93 Points California State Fair 90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
A beautiful dark ruby color and wonderful spicy aromas fill the senses. A lovely mid-palate of lush blackberry with hints of mocha. A well-balanced wine with a nice oak structure, and smooth as silk finish. A nice sipping wine that will only improve with age. Pairs well with grilled meats, firm cheeses, and dark chocolate.
The 2020 harvest was excellent fruit. Lodi was blessed with warm days and cool nights, allowing the Cabernet grapes to mature. Brix at harvest 24. Cold-soaked for 3 days. Small lot fermented, over a period of 10 days. The wine has excellent tannin structure and it is well-balanced. Aged in French Oak for 18 months and blended with a touch of Merlot and Petite Sirah to give it a French Meritage style.
Specs
Varietal Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 2% Petit Sirah
Appellation: Lodi, California
Alcohol: 14.5%
T.A.: 0.61
pH: 3.8
RS: .05
What’s Included
4-bottles:
4x 2020 Cabana Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi Case:
After 19 years of making wine at Renwood, which I founded and named after my wife Rene, we were looking for a new challenge. My daughters wanted to open an urban winery and I wanted a boutique winery where we could produce wines from the best vineyards and control the process. Cabana was born in 2011, our first 7 years were in Sacramento, and as the focus became on expanding our production, we moved to Lodi. At Cabana, we ferment in small lots and barrel-age the wine in French oak. Then I used my 30 years of wine-making experience to produce the final blend of our award-winning wines. We now produce 18 wines from Lodi, Napa, and Amador counties.
Our heritage is from Boston and Newport, RI. Cabana’s name is from our days at the beach in Newport. RISKs our premium wines stand for Robert, Irene, Sarah, Kelly & (son-in-law, Sam) the Smerling family. RISK Cabernet, is the pinnacle of my 30 years as a winemaker, winning numerous double gold medals.
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Happy to be able to try this really nice Cabernet from Lodi, a place we visited in 2018 and have some good memories from. A step up from a daily drinker that isn’t super complex but tasty and well made. Right now this is a little too young so it needs lots of air and will probably be even better in 3-5 years. Reminds me of some of the early woot cellars. Deep red color with lots of oak on the nose which carried over to the palate along with bright berry flavors. Medium bodied, light acid, some alcohol apparent but that blew off quickly. Tannins were obvious but not distracting but man was this super dry which kind of gave it a short finish, at the moment. I think some of that will resolve with age. Definitely went well with food which is always appreciated. We enjoyed this and were pleasantly surprised. I wouldn’t pay much over $20, maybe 25 at most so this offer price is solid.
I usually have entertaining stories to go along with these reviews. However, despite being a relatively healthy adult male, I’m basically the canary in the goldmine for infectious diseases, and against all odds, somehow managed to catch something in the middle of July. At least it’s not COVID, I think. So, without further ado, I present to you the Cabana Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Review: CDC Edition.
The cork pops well, and the variations of “cheers” stamped on it in various languages is a nice diversion from the relatively boring label. The color is a very dark red. Almost no legs at all if that’s important to you, though I’m using an insulated aluminium cup so maybe that’s why. I don’t have a sense of smell right now, so don’t expect anything from me on that front. Maybe a hint of wet dog? Then again I said the same thing about that grilled chicken. Wait a second…
This wine is dry. Like, really dry. It’s also super-basic. Not, like, in the sense that it’s one of those poser sheeple who can’t think for themselves and need celebrities to tell them what to do, but that it’s not acidic at all. The sale page stats absolutely confirmed my initial guess of a pH very close to 4.0 and a very low acid content. Though despite that low acid, it still has somewhat of a “pucker” factor to it.
I don’t know what it tastes like (what a thing for a wine reviewer to say, eh?). Red wine, I guess? My taste buds are shot. It seems to activate the bitter zone of my palate, though. It doesn’t have that “peppery” note to it like some reds. Unlike the description, I wouldn’t call it “spicy” at all. A bit woodsy, maybe? But it does taste a little “burned” in a sense. The taste kind of reminds me of how charcoal smells. The aftertaste is a close analogue to what you’d get from very dark chocolate.
I vacuum-sealed the half that remained, and am trying it again a day later. It seems more mellow and nuanced now. It genuinely tastes like some of the more expensive wines I’ve tried in the past. Ever get that kind of savory, mineral-like feel from a more expensive bottle? This seems to have some of that after sitting in an opened bottle with most of the air taken out of it for a day. It wasn’t nearly as enjoyable out of the bottle as it is after being aired out. In fact, I would’ve reviewed it negatively if I had to go with an instant opinion. So if you try this wine, make sure to give it some uncorked time, or vacuum seal it for a day or two (there’s still air, just less).
Anyway, I’m starting to hear screams outside of my isolation ward, and a whole lot of those nice CDC people are quickly getting replaced by armed personnel with “SCP Foundation” badges on their uniforms, so I’m going to post this along with a TLDR while communications are still functional:
Very dry.
No acid.
Yucky out of the bottle, but feels high-end if aired out.
On the level of a decent ~$20 bottle from a shop.
Man, it really sucks being patient zero. I just hope I survive the government firebombings for another sequel.
@ThomasF That really depends on how much more wine I’m going to get, doesn’t it? I think we should all strive to avoid any XK-Class Mass Extinction Events by keeping me as inebriated as possible.
The front offer page states this is $35/bottle at the winery, it is $25. The price comparison note is correct, stating $300/case. And that 90 points from Wine Enthusiast was for the 2019, not this 2020.
However, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition did bestow a silver medal on today’s offer.
And yep it received 93 points/silver California State Fair.
We just recieved 90 points on the 2020 Cabernet from Wine Enthusaist. Will be in the October issue
The editors at Wine Enthusiast have rated and reviewed your wine(s) and we are pleased to share some great news with you.Your wine(s) have received the following ratings:
90 Cabana Wines 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi $25
85 Cabana Wines 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Lodi $20
All wines will appear on the Wine Enthusiast Magazine website, to be metered out in batches starting 7/31/23 through 8/27/23. Only a selection of these reviews will appear in print in the October issue (In home 9/5/23).
@CabanaBeachboy
Hi, VolMod here.
Looks like you may be or affiliated with the producer.
Please introduce yourself and I’ll work on getting you your badge so you will be easy for others to identify.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2020 Cabana Winery Cabernet Sauvignon - $45 = 23.07%
2020 Cabana Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi
93 Points California State Fair
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$300.00/Case for 12x 2020 Cabana Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi at Cabana Winery
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jul 31 - Tuesday, Aug 1
2020 Cabana Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
4 bottles for $64.99 $16.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $149.99 $12.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Happy to be able to try this really nice Cabernet from Lodi, a place we visited in 2018 and have some good memories from. A step up from a daily drinker that isn’t super complex but tasty and well made. Right now this is a little too young so it needs lots of air and will probably be even better in 3-5 years. Reminds me of some of the early woot cellars. Deep red color with lots of oak on the nose which carried over to the palate along with bright berry flavors. Medium bodied, light acid, some alcohol apparent but that blew off quickly. Tannins were obvious but not distracting but man was this super dry which kind of gave it a short finish, at the moment. I think some of that will resolve with age. Definitely went well with food which is always appreciated. We enjoyed this and were pleasantly surprised. I wouldn’t pay much over $20, maybe 25 at most so this offer price is solid.
I usually have entertaining stories to go along with these reviews. However, despite being a relatively healthy adult male, I’m basically the canary in the goldmine for infectious diseases, and against all odds, somehow managed to catch something in the middle of July. At least it’s not COVID, I think. So, without further ado, I present to you the Cabana Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Review: CDC Edition.
The cork pops well, and the variations of “cheers” stamped on it in various languages is a nice diversion from the relatively boring label. The color is a very dark red. Almost no legs at all if that’s important to you, though I’m using an insulated aluminium cup so maybe that’s why. I don’t have a sense of smell right now, so don’t expect anything from me on that front. Maybe a hint of wet dog? Then again I said the same thing about that grilled chicken. Wait a second…
This wine is dry. Like, really dry. It’s also super-basic. Not, like, in the sense that it’s one of those poser sheeple who can’t think for themselves and need celebrities to tell them what to do, but that it’s not acidic at all. The sale page stats absolutely confirmed my initial guess of a pH very close to 4.0 and a very low acid content. Though despite that low acid, it still has somewhat of a “pucker” factor to it.
I don’t know what it tastes like (what a thing for a wine reviewer to say, eh?). Red wine, I guess? My taste buds are shot. It seems to activate the bitter zone of my palate, though. It doesn’t have that “peppery” note to it like some reds. Unlike the description, I wouldn’t call it “spicy” at all. A bit woodsy, maybe? But it does taste a little “burned” in a sense. The taste kind of reminds me of how charcoal smells. The aftertaste is a close analogue to what you’d get from very dark chocolate.
I vacuum-sealed the half that remained, and am trying it again a day later. It seems more mellow and nuanced now. It genuinely tastes like some of the more expensive wines I’ve tried in the past. Ever get that kind of savory, mineral-like feel from a more expensive bottle? This seems to have some of that after sitting in an opened bottle with most of the air taken out of it for a day. It wasn’t nearly as enjoyable out of the bottle as it is after being aired out. In fact, I would’ve reviewed it negatively if I had to go with an instant opinion. So if you try this wine, make sure to give it some uncorked time, or vacuum seal it for a day or two (there’s still air, just less).
Anyway, I’m starting to hear screams outside of my isolation ward, and a whole lot of those nice CDC people are quickly getting replaced by armed personnel with “SCP Foundation” badges on their uniforms, so I’m going to post this along with a TLDR while communications are still functional:
Man, it really sucks being patient zero. I just hope I survive the government firebombings for another sequel.
@ShotgunX You’re cracking me up…nice job!
@ShotgunX Thanks for the SCP reference. That’s a first on a wine review for me.
@ShotgunX And what would you rate yourself: Safe, Euclid or Keter?
@ThomasF That really depends on how much more wine I’m going to get, doesn’t it? I think we should all strive to avoid any XK-Class Mass Extinction Events by keeping me as inebriated as possible.
@ShotgunX I find that Ketamine goes best with a pungent cheese. Salud!
The front offer page states this is $35/bottle at the winery, it is $25. The price comparison note is correct, stating $300/case. And that 90 points from Wine Enthusiast was for the 2019, not this 2020.
However, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition did bestow a silver medal on today’s offer.
And yep it received 93 points/silver California State Fair.
fwiw
@kaolis
We just recieved 90 points on the 2020 Cabernet from Wine Enthusaist. Will be in the October issue
The editors at Wine Enthusiast have rated and reviewed your wine(s) and we are pleased to share some great news with you.Your wine(s) have received the following ratings:
90 Cabana Wines 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi $25
88 Cabana Wines 2021 Rosé of Alicante Lodi $20
87 Cabana Wines 2020 Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi $30
85 Cabana Wines 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Lodi $20
All wines will appear on the Wine Enthusiast Magazine website, to be metered out in batches starting 7/31/23 through 8/27/23. Only a selection of these reviews will appear in print in the October issue (In home 9/5/23).
Congratulations.
Cheers!
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
I appreciate the fact check.
Robert
Proprietor /Winemaker
Cabana Winery.
@CabanaBeachboy
badge so you will be easy for others to identify.
Hi, VolMod here.
Looks like you may be or affiliated with the producer.
Please introduce yourself and I’ll work on getting you your
Thanks, and welcome!
@CabanaBeachboy Thanks for the update. Apologies if I passed on some wrong information.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2020 Cabana Winery Cabernet Sauvignon - $45 = 23.07%