Touché Cabernet

Discover four cabernet-style wines from unexpected places. Get ready for the rustic intrigue of French Basque country, the ancient complexity of Croatia, the powerful volcanic minerality of Italy’s Basilicata, and the stunning finesse of Lebanon.

THE WINES

Domaine Brana ‘Ohitza,’ Irouleguy, Southwest France
Inky in the glass, with aromas of black plum, blackberry, and leather. The palate is loaded with those same rich blackberry notes, but 12 months in the barrel give an edge of warm spice to the fruit. 

Chateau Musar ‘Musar Jeune Rouge,’ Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Fuller-bodied and elegant with a complex balance of fruit, earth, and spice. The nose is layered, with notes of dried fig and plum, clove, and mushroom. Firm tannin and fresh acidity set the stage for an earthy expression of tobacco, warm spice, and deep, dried fruit. 

D'Angelo ‘Sacravite,’ Basilicata, Campania, Italy
Inky, powerful plum and black cherry fruit has edges of rosemary, dried leaves, and a hint of dried roses. A strong, mineral backbone runs right through the middle of the palate, thanks to volcanic soils. Bold but well integrated tannins lend approachability to the wine. 

Zlatan Otok, Dalmatia, Croatia
This bold red is a spicy one, with brambly blackberry and black plum notes under lacy licorice and clove. Plavac Mali’s ancient origins are apparent in the notes of wild herbs and black pepper that mingle with the ripe core of fruit on the palate. 

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