Oberon’s winemaker Tony Coltrin grew up in Napa Valley, which makes him ideal to create a Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from many different vineyards around the area. He sources grapes from all over the valley, from the esteemed Howell Mountain wine district to Stag’s Leap (two seriously high dollar appellations – what’s an appellation?) in order to find the best flavors for Oberon’s blend.
Tony is very good at his job. He declares on Oberon’s website, “Being a winemaker is not something I do everyday, being a winemaker is who I am everyday.” Perhaps this explains why his very affordable Cabs are pretty amazing values every vintage — he probably plays poker with the best vineyard owners in Napa.
The 2009 Oberon Cabernet tastes austere and forceful yet elegant. Gushing black cherry, earthy saddle leather, ripe plum, black raspberry, and blackberry. The tannins are not for the faint of heart but they’re manageable and they become more supple with food. Nice acidity too. Long, plummy finish. Very enjoyable, distinctive and affordable — much less opulent price tag than many Napa cabs.
Sweetness: 1 out of 10
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Price: $17 – $20
Occasion: Ordered it from a restaurant wine list in California
Availability: Restaurant wine lists mostly and independent wine shops
Food pairing: Slowed roasted meats like this recipe for Poor Man’s Osso Bucco and Oberon’s website has a few suggested recipes.
