Introduction to California Cabernets
We save wines sometimes for special occasions. Sometimes we save them too long. Remember poor Miles Raymond in “Sideways,” for example, opening the 1961 Château Cheval Blanc he’d been saving for the right moment – only to drink it in lonely frustration from a styrofoam cup in a roadside hamburger stand. Heartbreaking. And not just because of the styrofoam.
The Leap of Faith with Stags’ Leap Winery
Mark Gauert
Stags’ Leap Winery 2021 "The Leap Cabernet." (Mark Gauert/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Don’t be like Miles. At least that’s what I was thinking on a Tuesday night, searching the rack for a Tuesday-night wine. The only one near ready to drink was a Stags’ Leap Winery 2021 “The Leap Cabernet,’’ a wine I’d been saving for a special occasion. But “Sideways” is a cautionary tale, friends. That every moment – even a Tuesday-night moment – is special.
A Night to Remember with Stags’ Leap Winery
So I opened this special-occasion wine – which was almost scientifically designed to be served with a heavily vetted group of celebrants over wagyu, whipped butter and thyme – poured it into a (real) glass and drank it with … rigatoni and red sauce.
And what a night it was! The Cab’s delicate flavors of pepper, mocha and red currant turned my Tuesday-night dinner at home into a special occasion. A midweek moment.
Yes, you probably guessed “Sideways” was on the TV that night. (Am I that predictable?) When in doubt your moment is special enough, I say, don’t wait. Take The Leap.
Stags’ Leap Winery 2021 “The Leap” Cabernet Sauvignon; SRP $120; stagsleap.com
Tuesday on into Wednesday with Beaulieu Vineyard
Not that I’m in the habit of opening formidable wines on just any old weekday night, but Beaulieu Vineyard’s 2021 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a fine Wednesday-night follow to “The Leap.’’ Or a Thursday, Friday – or any day that ends with “day.” Sure, you could wait to turn these red- and blackberry fruits – with hints of licorice – loose on some special occasion. Father’s Day, with gouda cheeseburgers on the grill, pops to mind. But Father’s Day is so far off now. Show Dad you care every day.
Beaulieu Vineyard’s 2021 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; SRP $85; bvwines.com
Courtesy
Beaulieu Vineyard 2021 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. (Beaulieu Vineyard/Courtesy)
Conclusion
In conclusion, these two California Cabernets, Stags’ Leap Winery 2021 “The Leap Cabernet” and Beaulieu Vineyard’s 2021 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special night or just a Tuesday. They offer a unique and delicious experience that will make any moment special.
FAQs
Q: What is the price of Stags’ Leap Winery 2021 “The Leap Cabernet”?
A: The SRP of Stags’ Leap Winery 2021 “The Leap Cabernet” is $120.
Q: What are the flavors of Beaulieu Vineyard’s 2021 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon?
A: Beaulieu Vineyard’s 2021 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has flavors of red and blackberry fruits with hints of licorice.
Q: Where can I buy these wines?
A: You can buy these wines on the wineries’ websites, stagsleap.com and bvwines.com.
Originally Published: September 19, 2025 at 1:40 PM EDT
