Vintage: “Lot 4”

Wine Name/Vineyard: Bonanza

Wine Category: Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape blend: 100% Cab Sauv

Bottle size: 750 ml 

Region: North Coast

State or country: California 

Price: $22.99 

ABV: 13.8% 

Cases produced: N/A 

The Barrel Cellar Score:  88 points 

Review date: January 25, 2022

About the Winemaker: Chuck Wagner and his parents started Caymus Vineyards.  Chuck, separate from Caymus, has developed Bonanza Wine.  He sites his enjoyment of exploration of California’s many hills and valleys as an inspiration for Bonanza.  It is a a realization of what California wine, produced outside of the valley where it all started, can be.  In short, Bonanza is a non-vintage, California Sauvignon produced from fruit grown across broad stretch of California.

Color:  Garnet

Nose:  Red berries, candied apple, vanilla, oak, and dried herbs. 

Taste: Toasted bread, raspberry, plum, vanilla, cherry cream, oak, and cherry skin.

Assessment: Dark fruit, tannins, and vanilla are dominant in this wine. It’s a full-bodied, palate coating, California bruiser; it’s unique in that it is perhaps the “creamiest” red wine I’ve ever sampled.  Expert craftsmanship is apparent in both texture and mouth feel, it’s bold yet silky.  Additionally, it offers nice complexity with a plethora of flavor notes.  From a character perspective, it’s quite tannic up front while also quite acidic on the finish; I wish the contrasting notes were balanced better, but this is a wine I enjoyed.   At this price, I’ll be sure to buy more.  Drink now.

Special offer $100 off of 6 bottles of wine

Pairing recommendation:  Grilled red meat,  Italian sausage with sweet peppers, ribeye, or wild game.

The Barrel Cellar rates Chuck Wagner’s “Bonanza” Lot 4 Cabernet Sauvignon 88 points.