We’re back to another box today, or an Octavin to be more precise. This is a cabernet sauvignon from the Central Coast of California. When a wine is labeled as coming from the Central Coast, that usually means that the fruit came from a couple different sources because Central Coast is a broad region (or AVA). Within the Central Coast AVA there are several smaller appellations, which are typically known for higher quality fruit and wines are often labeled with those smaller appellations versus using Central Coast. In the case of Monthaven, most of the juice is from Paso Robles and Monterey.
Although it’s in a box, it’s a serious wine. The quality of the juice is respectable and the wine is barrel aged, which is a process usually reserved for more expensive wines. Despite the varietal on the label, it’s not all cabernet sauvignon grapes in this wine. It has 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Sirah, 4% Carignan, 4% Tempranillo, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Zinfandel, 2% Merlot and 1% Mourvèdre. But with 75% cabernet sauvignon they are able to label it as such.
The luscious dark fruit aromas that you expect from a cabernet sauvignon are definitely found in this wine, along with a dusty herbal characteristic that distinguishes it. The palate is all about the fruit, with plenty of black cherry and black currant flavors. There’s a bit of oak flavor on the palate too. The tannins aren’t bitter, but deliver a pronounced dryness in the mouth. Overall, it’s a decent cabernet — although I wouldn’t call it elegant.
Wine: Monthaven Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 85
Price: $24.00 for 3 liters (equivalent to 4 bottles)
Find Monthaven Cabernet Sauvignon with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.