Livermore, California, United States
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines.
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Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon
| SKU | 1620 |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Livermore Valley, CA |
| Type | Red |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Listing | |
| Case Config. | 12x750ml |
| Available In | BC AB SK MB |
Colour
Crimson with purple highlights.
Aroma
Aromatics of dark fruit such as dark cherry, plum and blackberry. The aging of oak barrels imparts the touch of vanilla and cedar to round out this medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.
Flavour
Juicy dark red fruit flavours of plum and black cherry. The finish is smooth and supple with hints of chocolate and spice. Rich, mouth-filling tannins and a full-bodied mouthfeel, this wine provides a long, smooth finish.
Food Pairing
Pair this with a classic barbequed sirloin, a rack of mesquite ribs or a grilled veggie burger.
More Info
This Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is developed from vines that California wine pioneer Charles Wetmore brought from France in the 19th century. The Wente family farms approximately 400 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards matched to the soils and meso-climates with rootstocks and clones selected for each site. The Livermore Valley offers a climate ideal for growing red Bordeaux varieties, with a long growing season that develops ripe, round fruit flavours. Each vineyard was harvested separately and fermented in upright fermenters, with regular pumping over to increase colour and tannin extraction and improve mouthfeel. This wine was aged for 16 months in new and used French and Eastern European oak barrels as well as stainless steel tanks. Aging in stainless steel helps preserve fruit vibrancy in the wine.
The Tasting Panel, Mar/2024
2021 -
"Luscious flow of cherry-espresso, licorice, and soy sauce. Ripe and creamy, with round, supple tannins."
James Suckling, Feb/2024
2021 -
"Notes of rich black currants, blackberries, paprika and tapenade follow through to a juicy, medium-bodied palate with plenty of cassis and a hint of spice and tobacco... it is well-balanced and pleasant. Sustainable. Drink now."
Decanter World Wine Awards 2024
2021 -
"Polished nose of blackcurrant and cassis, palate of grippy tannins, sweet fruit and sleek oak."
The Tasting Panel, Jan/2023
2020 -
"Ripe notes of cherry, kola nut, and cedar combine within a balanced acid structure. Refined yet approachable."
Wine Enthusiast, May/2023
2020 -
Best Buy. "Pleasantly approachable aromas of blackberry sauce, mace and dried ginger meet with loamy soil on the nose of this bottling. Leathery tannins frame the palate, where dark rich fruit and asphalt flavors cling to a long finish."
James Suckling, May/2023
2020 -
"Ripe and juicy red with notes of blackberries and mulberries as well as hints of toasted spices and nut shell. Medium- to full-bodied with creamy tannins and mellow fruit character. Fruity finish. Drink now."
Daenna Van Mulligen, Nov/2023
2020 -
"Supple, approachable, fragrant. Always engaging and fragrant, the 2020 version of the Wente family's estate Cabernet Sauvignon stays true. Bold cassis and Kirsch, vanilla and baking spice aromas are underscored by purple flowers, licorice and pipe tobacco. It's a smooth mouth-filling wine that is seamless and tasty. Generous fruit flavours are woven with spice and vanilla and it has nice persistence. A tasty modern red with notable freshness to pair with chili dogs, burgers, spicy wings or sausage."
Decanter World Wine Awards 2023
2020 -
"Ripe lush dark fruits with some leathery character and hints of smoke. Grainy texture, leafy finish."
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wine Competition, Oct/2021
2019 -
The Tasting Panel, Oct/2022
2019 -
"Bright red fruit jumps out of the glass, backed by orange peel and spiced coffee. Energetic, with supple tannins, this juicy red offers superb acidity for dynamic food-pairing abilities."
Natalie MacLean, Feb/2022
2019 -
"This well-made Californian red wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petit Sirah, Malbec and Cabernet Franc grapes. Elegant, balanced and complex. Great price for classic Californian Cabernet. Cool-climate influences at play here. Pair with a rare steak."
Food & Wine Magazine, Apr/2022
2019 -
"This is a bright, red-fruit-forward expression of Cab, though the dusting of cinnamon and cocoa powder will appeal to fans of a richer style, as will the flavors of black raspberry that sweep in once the wine gets some air."
Decanter Magazine, Jan/2021
2018 -
"Floral scented nose of lavender and fresh leather. Elegant palate with crunchy dark fruit notes, chocolate & blackcurrant tart with a hint of spice. Quite classic yet to show its best."
Wine Enthusiast, Dec/2020
2018 -
"This full-bodied but gentle wine wraps ripe, delicious black-cherry and dark-chocolate flavors in a creamy texture. A silky mouthfeel reveals little tannin influence and carries the rich flavors through a lingering finish."
Daenna Van Mulligen, winescores.ca, Nov/2021
2018 -
"Plush, approachable, fragrant. Always plush and fragrant, the 2019 version of the Wente family's estate Cabernet Sauvignon does not disappoint. Aromas of vanilla, cassis, licorice, candied violets, chocolate and pencil shavings are brightened with fresh minty undertones. It's an approachable and satisfying red with a supple entry and expressive, mouthfilling fruit underscored by cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, mocha and mint. A tasty modern red with lovely freshness to pair with chili dogs, burgers, spicy wings or sausage."
Wine Enthusiast, Jan/2020
2017 -
"Smooth, polished and flavorful, this full-bodied wine surrounds black-cherry and dark-chocolate flavors with fine-grained tannins for a seamless combo of taste and texture."
The Tasting Panel, Nov/2019
2017 -
"Two clones originating from wine pioneer Charles Wetmore’s 19th-century Bordeaux cuttings comprise this Cab, co-fermented with Petite Sirah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Well-drained rocky soils are home to these east-west-oriented estate vineyards, located in the southern hills of the valley. Ripe aromas of plum and spicy brush lead to a juicy note of boysenberry as dusty tannins match up against wild strawberries from tilled soil. Licorice and walnut add texture on the finish. 90"
Deanna Van Mulligen, winescores.ca, Nov/2019
2017 -
"Jammy, approachable, smooth. A very jammy nose of blueberry, raspberry, vanilla, licorice and mocha leads to a supple palate with oodles of sweet fruit and vanilla liqueur. There is a slightly fishy undertone, on the nose and palate. A straightforward and approachable wine, international in style, to pair with chili dogs, burgers, spicy wings or sausage."
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
2017 -
Silver Medal
The Tasting Panel, Jul/2019
2016 -
"Two clones originating from pioneer Charles Wetmore’s 19th-century Bordeaux cuttings comprise this Cab, co-fermented with Petite Sirah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Welldrained rocky soils are home to these east-west–oriented estate vineyards, located in the southern hills of the valley. The perfume is exciting, with accents of candied cherries, heather, and roses. Round, sultry tannins have a backdrop of cedar, ripe blackberries, and violets. Juicy and delicious."
Natalie MacLean, May/2019
2016 -
Best Value "This robust, layered Californian red wine is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% Petit Sirah, 5% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc grapes. Solid, balanced and concentrated. Great price for classic Californian Cabernet. Cool-climate influences the structure. Pair with a rare steak."
Steve Thurlow, Wine Align, Apr/2018
2015 -
"This is a well priced California cabernet that's not over flamboyant. Expect a harmonious nose of blueberry and blackberry fruit with well integrated oak, vanilla, spice and herbal notes. It is well balanced midweight and quite sinewy with very good length, gentle acidity and a fine tannin structure. And its not overripe like many others from this region. Try with a steak. Tasted April 2018."
Los Angeles International Wine Awards 2018
2015 -
Bronze Medal
Natalie Maclean, Jan/2017
2014 -
Best Value "This well-made Californian red wine is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% Petit Sirah, 5% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc grapes. Elegant, balanced and complex. Great price for classic Californian Cabernet. Cool-climate influences at play here."
Steve Thurlow, Wine Align, Feb/2017
2014 -
"This is a well priced California cabernet with a fragrant nose of blueberry and blackberry with mild oak, vanilla and herbal notes. It is well balanced midweight and quite taught with very good length. Gentle acidity and the fine tannin structure lie beneath ripe but not overripe fruit. Try with bbq meats. Very good length. Best 2017 to 2020. Tasted February 2017."
Los Angeles International Wine Awards 2016
2013 -
Gold Medal
Steve Thurlow, Wine Align, Feb/2016
2013 -
"This is a reasonably priced California cabernet that delivers pretty much on all levels. Expect a fragrant nose of blackcurrant and blackberry with subtle oak, vanilla and herbal notes. It is well balanced midweight and quite sinewy with very good length. I love the gentle acidity and the fine tannin structure. And its not overripe like many others from this region. Try with a juicy sauteed duck breast with a dark plum sauce. Very good length."