Two Cabernets, One Vineyard: How Winemaking Shapes the Wine
As winter settles in and hearty meals take center stage, we’re shining a spotlight on two of our most popular reds: Our Traditional Cabernet Sauvignon and the Vintner’s Select Cabernet Sauvignon.
Both wines begin their journey in the same Washington State vineyard, and there's an important reason for that. Cabernet Sauvignon is the only juice/grapes we source from outside our region. Here in Lake Erie Wine Country, our climate simply can't produce Cabernet to the level of concentration and quality needed to craft the style of Cabernet our customers love. Washington's McNary Vineyard give us the exceptional fruit & juice required to make truly expressive, beautifully structured Cabernet.
From there, the wines take two very different paths -- shaped entirely by winemaking choices, especially how each wine is aged.
If you've ever wondered what seperates these two Cabernets, this is your guided tour through the craft behind the glass.
Traditional Cabernet Sauvignon
Fruit-Forward, Approachable, and Ready to Enjoy
Our Traditional Cabernet is all about purity of fruit. By aging the wine in stainless steel with subtle oak influence, we preserve the bright, vibrant character of the grapes while adding just enough complexity to round things out.
Flavor Profile:
Rich, expressive fruit
Gentle oak notes
Smooth, nuanced tannins
Balanced and immediately enjoyable
This is the Cabernet you reach for when you want something versatile and crowd‑pleasing. It pairs beautifully with beef tenderloin, pork molé, grilled steaks, and even your favorite weeknight dishes.
Vintner's Select Cabernet Sauvignon
Bold, Barrel-Aged, and Built for the Cellar
Aging: Two full years in oak barrels
For those who crave depth, structure, and a more powerful expression of Cabernet, the Vintner’s Reserve is your bottle. Extended barrel aging transforms the fruit, layering in spice, richness, and firm tannins that promise longevity.
Flavor Profile:
Deep, concentrated fruit
Spicy, well‑integrated oak
Firm, lasting tannins
Complex now, exceptional with age
This small‑lot Cabernet is ideal for roasted lamb, braised dishes, or evenings when you want a wine that feels truly special. Enjoy it today or let it evolve gracefully in your cellar.
A Note from Winemaker Jeff Murphy
“Both Cabernets come from the same Washington vineyard, but the extended barrel aging of the Vintner’s Reserve creates a deeper, more concentrated wine with lasting tannins and spicy oak. The Traditional Cabernet focuses on rich fruit with just enough oak for complexity — approachable now, while the barrel‑aged version will continue to develop beautifully.”