Apothic Cabernet Sauvignon is an extension of the Apothic range by E&J Gallo, the world’s largest family-owned wine company. The Apothic wines are loved for their sweeter style, bold red wines. In saying that, there is a rose and a white wine in the range as well. The packaging is as stylish as the wine is bold and the entire brand is very well crafted. 

True to its name, the Apothic brand it is certainly creating a stir. Quite literally with Brew which is a red wine infused with cold brew coffee. They even have taken a leaf from the Scotch and Sherry houses and reversed it for the Apothic Inferno. The Inferno is matured in toasted whiskey barrels. I note the spelling of whiskey and assume it is Bourbon not Scotch. 

Apothic Cabernet Sauvignon

Apothic Cabernet Sauvignon has an abundance of oak on show. Indeed, the wine really is as it says on the bottle, smooth. In this case, the oak shines through as caramel corn and vanilla notes against the confectionery blackcurrant jam Californian Cabernet characters. The Apothic Cab is undoubtedly very ripe and there is a little mint and a whole lot of chocolate and raisin on the front palate. This ripeness becomes more evident when you consider that it sits at 13.5%. As a consequence, there is a large dollop of residual sugar left from a shortened the ferment. 

With this in mind, the Apothic website also has some great recommendations for using their wines in cocktails and mixed drinks. This Cabernet Sauvignon has velvety plush low level tannins and acid so it will work rather well as a mixer or a base for constructing your own concoction. Don’t limit yourself to Sangria in summer and mulled wine base over the holidays. 

If you are after a wine to unwind with, as a wine made for lovers of sweeter red wines, this wine is balanced and it is smooth.  Also, if you like to drink your red wine with chocolate, give it a try. 

Country of Origin: California, USA
Tasting Date: October 2020
Price:  UK £9  | US$9  
Drink: now 
Needs food: yes
Source: sample

PS: The combination of matching the red wine themed Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Vinotherapie Spa Scrub with a sweet night in was rather irresistible.