Discover the epitome of Alexander Valley winemaking with Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This bold and impeccably balanced wine boasts rich flavors of blackberry, plum, and cassis, enhanced by subtle notes of tobacco, cedar, caramel, and cocoa. A refined structure of silky tannins and a long, elegant finish make it a versatile complement to red meats, hearty pastas, or aged cheeses. Crafted from meticulously selected hillside vineyards, this full-bodied Cabernet is a testament to the region's warm days, cool nights, and exceptional terroir. With its polished character and robust depth, Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a premium wine experience for both casual and connoisseur palates alike.
Process & Profile
The Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon is made with exceptional care, sourced from the Alexander Valley—a region celebrated for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The warm, sunny days and cool, breezy nights create the perfect environment for slow, balanced ripening of the grapes. The winemaking process involves gentle destemming, preserving whole berries for fermentation, and extended skin contact of 8-10 days to extract maximum color and flavor. Malolactic fermentation softens the wine's acidity, enhancing its complexity and smoothness.
This wine is aged to perfection, resulting in a robust and velvety profile, complete with a polished finish. Alcohol content sits at a balanced 14.5%, reflecting the wine's remarkable richness and clarity.
Tasting Notes
Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon greets you with inviting aromas of cassis, blackberries, and crushed berries. Each sip reveals a cascade of flavors, including:
- Blackberry and boysenberry notes
- Hints of raspberry, plum, and dark cherry
- Subtle layers of cocoa, caramel, and vanilla
- Rich undertones of cedar, tobacco, and graphite
These notes are beautifully framed by well-structured, velvety tannins that lend the wine a smooth texture and a long, elegant finish.
What Makes It Special
This wine stands out due to its impeccable craftsmanship and unique terroir. The hillside vineyards of the Alexander Valley combine fertile soils with the perfect combination of day and night temperatures, resulting in exceptional fruit quality. Its robust character, coupled with fine-grained tannins and vibrant fruit flavors, makes it a classic yet approachable choice for wine enthusiasts. Rated highly by wine critics, including a stellar 93 points from James Suckling, this Cabernet offers sophistication at an exceptional value.
How to Enjoy
Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including:
- Grilled steaks or lamb chops
- Aged hard cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan
For the best tasting experience, serve this wine at 60–65°F. Decanting for 30–60 minutes will allow the flavors to fully open, enhancing its complexity and balance. Whether enjoyed now or aged for a few more years, this wine promises a memorable drinking experience.
Elevate your wine collection with Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon—an exquisite reflection of Alexander Valley's winemaking excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key characteristics of Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon?
Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley boasts rich, complex flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and plum. It has a full body, velvety texture, and fine-grained tannins. Subtle notes of caramel, cocoa, and tobacco enhance its robust yet balanced profile, with an alcohol content of 14.5%.
What foods pair well with Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon?
This wine pairs beautifully with rich and hearty dishes such as red meats, lamb, pasta with red sauce, and hard cheeses. Its bold structure and tannins also make it a good match for grilled vegetables and dishes with earthy or smoky flavors.
How should Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon be served?
Serve this Cabernet Sauvignon at a temperature of 60-65°F (15-18°C) to experience its full flavor profile. For the best results, consider decanting the wine for at least 30 minutes to allow it to aerate and soften its tannins.
Can Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon be aged?
Yes, this wine has excellent aging potential due to its structured tannins and balanced acidity. It can develop more complex flavors if stored properly in a cool, dark place for 7-10 years.
What makes Alexander Valley ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon?
Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, California, is known for its warm days and cool nights, which allow Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors. The region's diverse soils and microclimates further contribute to the wine's rich character.
Is Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon a single varietal or a blend?
The Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is primarily a single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. However, winemakers in similar styles may occasionally use blending to enhance complexity, depending on the vintage.
What does Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?
This wine offers flavors of dark berries such as blackberry and blackcurrant, combined with hints of plum, vanilla, and spice. Undertones of caramel, cocoa, and tobacco enhance its depth, while its finish is polished and layered.
What is the alcohol content of Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon?
Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 14.5%, which is on par with most full-bodied red wines.
How does Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon compare to other Cabernet Sauvignons?
Frei Brothers’ Cabernet is known for its well-rounded and velvety texture, with a focus on ripe fruit balanced by hints of earthiness and spice. Compared to wines from regions like Bordeaux, its Alexander Valley origin gives it a slightly richer and more fruit-forward profile.