Stave & Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon

Better with bourbon (barrels)? The Stave & Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Sauvignon from California. The wine is aged for 4 months in charred Kentucky Bourbon barrels and has just 1.5 g/L of residual sugar.

Sample submitted for review. The Stave & Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon has an SRP of $20 and is available for as low as $14.

From the bottle:

Age brings wisdom. Bourbon Barrel-Aging Brings Boldness.

Our winemaker masterfully ages 100% of our premium Cabernet Sauvignon in rich bourbon barrels for 4 months. The oak staves, lending distinctive Bourbon notes of caramel and spice are bound by rugged steel rivets. Together, they create a wine with signature Cabernet Sauvignon flavors of ripe, dark berries and a hint of tannins, combined with Bourbon aromas of subtle spice and vanilla. This is traditional winemaking, reinvented.

14.5% Alcohol

There's no doubt that aging wine in bourbon barrels is hot right now. And why not? Given how consumers love big oaky wines it's no surprise that the extra flavors brought by a bourbon barrel would be popular. Today we've got our first review of a number of wines we'll be featuring in this growing category.

The 2016 Stave & Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon begins with an inviting aroma chocked full of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon and other spice along with plenty of dark fruit. Tasting reveals a bold and dry wine. I was worried this was going to be super sweet to go along with all those oak flavors but it's not at all. It does; however, have plenty of fruit. It ends dry, juicy and long. The bourbon barrels enhance the oaky notes quite a bit, so if that's not your thing beware. On the other hand, if you like a good amount of oak influence in your wine you'll likely enjoy this one quite a bit.

See a listing of local retailers selling the Stave & Steel Cabernet Sauvignon here.