Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon

Joel Gott really delivers a great California Cabernet Sauvignon for a reasonable price, and after reading a little about his past and family history it is understandable how and why he does. Joel is a third generation winemaker, so he grew up with the love of the juice in his blood. The fact that his family is so entrenched in California winemaking allows him access to many of the best, and yet to be discovered fruit sources throughout the state, especially in Napa. This fact and his amazing ability to blend fruit from different sources allows him to make a great Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing that classic California fruit with great balance and structure.

The 2013 Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon is made from fruit sourced from Napa Valley, Lodi, Sonoma County, Lake County, Monterey County and Paso Robles (one of my favorite places to find value Cabs from). The fruit is then fermented in individual lots, then the lots are aged for just over a year in oak, all the while being tasted frequently for tannin development. The lots are then blended to balance the best characteristics of each vineyard, thus creating an outstanding wine.

Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon has nice dark fruit on the nose with just a touch of toasty spice from the oak. On the palate I get that same fruit from the nose with a touch of sweetness, on the mid palate there are supple tannins with a long and balanced finish. This wine is great to drink now but I think with a couple more years in the bottle (in the proper storage conditions) it will develop into a more elegant and special wine.

I find that the Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon is what California Cabs are supposed to be. Coming in under $19 makes it a great price point for a fantastic wine.