If you love Cabernet but your wallet keeps suggesting more weeknights in, the 2023 Dolum Estates California Cabernet Sauvignon is one to know. Reverse Wine Snob just flagged an insider deal on this 100% Cabernet that blends Napa power with Sonoma lift—and it carries a Decanter 94-point nod. It’s a classic California Cab play, crafted by Chad Alexander (aka the “winemaking geologist”), with vineyard sources spanning select sub-districts in both regions.
Reverse Wine Snob’s take? “It’s classic Cab all the way!” (Reverse Wine Snob). Decanter keeps the energy high, calling it “a full-throttle, blackberry-driven red” (Decanter, via Reverse Wine Snob). That’s a pretty tight two-punch: crowd-pleasing and credentialed.
Style snapshot: 100% Cabernet, California (Napa + Sonoma)
- Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon (100%)
- Region: California, with fruit from Napa Valley and Sonoma County
- Vintage: 2023
- Style: Dry, full-bodied, structured
- Key notes (per RWS + winery): black cherry, cedar, vanilla/licorice, dark berries, spice; robust yet balanced
- Tannins: Firm, well-integrated; grippy in youth
- Oak: Aged in new and used barrels; still a bit oaky now
- ABV: 14.5%
According to Reverse Wine Snob’s review, the nose leads with black cherry, cola, cedar and a hint of vanilla/licorice. On the palate it’s smooth, rich and layered, with juicy fruit and grip; it finishes dry and very long, and held up nicely on day two. That’s textbook modern California Cab structure—ripe fruit framed by tannin and oak, with enough energy to go the distance.
Context: Why Napa-Sonoma fruit matters (and why 2023 helps)
Blending across Napa and Sonoma isn’t just a mailing-list flex; it’s a deliberate style move. Napa brings the concentration and depth Cab fans crave—think darker fruit, more muscle—while Sonoma can add aromatic lift and freshness from its cooler sites. In 2023, both regions saw a long, mild season with extended hang time and even ripening. In plain English: grapes had time to get flavorful without losing their balance. That typically means a cleaner line of fruit, finer tannins, and better overall poise.
Chad Alexander’s backstory also tracks with what’s in the glass. He grew up on Mt. Veeder and spent years at Robert Craig, so mountain and hillside structure is kind of his native language. The winery leans into site and precision—picking for freshness, gentle extraction, and letting the fruit do the talking. The result, per the source, is a Cab that’s rich and satisfying now, with the bones to hold a few years if you want to let that oak knit in.
And yes, there’s a value kicker: Reverse Wine Snob highlights a limited-time four-pack deal ending Friday 1/16/2026 at noon PT, clocking in at a steep discount off the $60 SRP. If you’re the set-it-and-forget-it type, this hits that weeknight-to-dinner-party sweet spot.
Best occasion: Casual dinner with friends, pizza-and-decant night, or a bring-to-a-BBQ bottle that drinks above its price tag.
Best pairing direction: Think protein + char: grilled burgers, tri-tip, or portobello mushrooms; salty aged cheeses; tomato-based pasta with umami depth. Keep sauces savory and herbs fresh to complement the cedar-spice profile.
Bottom line: If your mental model of California Cab is ripe black cherry, cedar spice, firm but polished tannins, and a long, dry finish, Dolum Estates 2023 checks those boxes. The Decanter 94 reinforces the quality, and the Reverse Wine Snob deal turns it into a low-risk, high-reward play. Stack a couple in the rack, let a few ride until the oak relaxes, and you’ve got options—Tuesday through Saturday.
Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/insider-deal-dolum-estates-cabernet-sauvignon/
