TASTING - PRATI CABERNET SAUVIGNON

 

 

Prati Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal (100% Cabernet Sauvignon).

Healdsburg and St Helena, California, United States

2021

 $17.99 USD

 

 

"Our 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant expression of Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. The lively nose boasts aromas of blackberry, plum, and black cherry with hints of vanilla. Layers of blackberry jam, black cherry and toasted vanilla on the palate are complimented by soft notes of cedar. Beautifully balanced, this wine offers an acidic structure that holds up nicely to the abundant fruit." -James Suckling

 

1. According to Wine Folly, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely planted and recognizable red grape varieties, known for its full body, firm tannins, and classic flavor profile of black cherry, blackcurrant (cassis), and baking spices. In warmer climates, the grape tends to produce wines with riper fruit flavors—such as blackberry, plum, and sometimes hints of chocolate or dried herbs—especially when aged in oak, which adds notes of vanilla, cedar, and tobacco. (Wine Folly – The Essential Guide to Wine, p. 88).

2. Wine folly also states Cabernet Sauvignon wines from regions like California and similar warm-weather zones often develop bold structure and intense flavor concentration. Since Prati Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in a warm climate, it likely reflects these regional influences with plush dark fruit, elevated alcohol, and integrated oak complexity—true to the varietal’s robust, age-worthy character. (Wine Folly – United States Wine Region Guide).
   

 

 

 Personal Review

    I recently tried the 2021 Prati by Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, and I was genuinely impressed by how smooth and approachable it was for such a bold varietal. Opening the bottle, the nose was rich and inviting—lots of dark fruit like blackberry and black cherry, with a subtle thread of vanilla and maybe a hint of cedar or baking spice in the background. It definitely gave off that classic California Cab vibe, but with a softer edge.

    On the palate, the wine was full-bodied but really well-balanced. The tannins were firm and just enough structure to give it depth without drying out my mouth. I got notes of plum, and dark chocolate, and there was a kind of toasted oak finish that lingered in a really satisfying way. It felt polished, but not overdone.

    I had it with Birria Tacos from El Rod's, and it paired perfectly. The wine stood up to the richness of the meat, and the little bit of acidity helped keep everything feeling fresh. Honestly, it’s the kind of Cabernet I’d reach for again when I want something classic, comforting, and food-friendly, but still with some character. Definitely a great bottle for the price in my opinion.