Delectus French Wedding Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

The 2015 Delectus French Wedding Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold and expressive red wine crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and a much smaller portion of Petit Verdot, sourced from the esteemed Knights Valley region in California. In the glass, it presents a dark, iridescent violet hue, hinting at its depth and concentration. On the nose, this wine offers an enticing bouquet of intense blackberry and cocoa, complemented by subtle notes of espresso and tobacco leaf. These aromas set the stage for a complex and layered tasting experience. The palate is rich and full-bodied, showcasing flavors of dark stone fruits such as black cherry and plum. A touch of clove adds a spicy nuance, while the wine's lush, silky tannins provide structure and a lingering, elegant finish. Hints of cedar and forest floor further enhance its complexity, making it a quintessential expression of Knights Valley terroir. With an alcohol content of 14.8%, this wine is both powerful and balanced, suitable for additional aging or immediate enjoyment. We recommend serving just slightly cooled to 60–65° F. Cheers!

The 2015 Delectus French Wedding Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with rich, hearty dishes that complement its bold structure and dark fruit profile. Ideal pairings include grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or a herb-crusted rack of lamb, where the wine’s tannins cut through the savory richness. Mushroom risotto or roasted portobello mushrooms also enhance its earthy undertones. For cheese, opt for aged varieties like sharp cheddar, Manchego, or gouda. The wine’s notes of blackberry, cocoa, and clove make it a natural match for deeply flavored meats and roasted vegetables, offering a refined yet robust culinary experience.

Delectus Winery, established in 1995 by Austrian-born winemaker Gerhard Reisacher and his wife Linda Butler, is renowned for producing bold, handcrafted red wines that reflect the unique terroir of California's wine regions. Reisacher, an eighth-generation winemaker, brought his European heritage and passion for winemaking to Napa Valley, where he and Butler founded Delectus with a commitment to crafting luxury red wines from select vineyards.

In 2005, the couple acquired a 112-acre estate in Knights Valley, a region nestled between Napa and Sonoma counties. This property, characterized by its diverse terrain and distinct soils, provided an ideal setting for cultivating Bordeaux varietals. The estate's south-facing vineyards benefit from ample sunlight and a unique microclimate, contributing to the development of grapes with concentrated flavors and balanced acidity.

In 2016, Delectus Winery was acquired by Vintage Wine Estates, a company known for its portfolio of premium wineries. Despite the change in ownership, Delectus continues to uphold its tradition of crafting high-quality wines that reflect the distinctive characteristics of California's wine regions. The winery's commitment to excellence and its focus on producing wines with depth and complexity have solidified its reputation among wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.