The Fableist 373 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Full-bodied red wine · The Fableist Wine Co. is a collaborative wine project created by winemaker Curt Schalis and Zinfandel producer Charles Woodson, known for producing wines that tell a story through distinct, fable-inspired labels. They operate as a boutique producer focusing on classic California varietals with strong conceptual branding.
Vintage: 2021
Type
Full-bodied red wine
Producer
The Fableist Wine Co. is a collaborative wine project created by winemaker Curt Schalis and Zinfandel producer Charles Woodson, known for producing wines that tell a story through distinct, fable-inspired labels. They operate as a boutique producer focusing on classic California varietals with strong conceptual branding.
Country
United States
Vintage
2021
Region & Appellation
Paso Robles, California, United States
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, typically blended with small amounts of other Bordeaux varietals like Petit Verdot or Merlot for complexity.
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby-purple core with a bright magenta rim, indicating youth, high extract, and concentration.
Aroma Profile
Intense aromas of black cherry, cassis, and blackberry, complemented by secondary notes of vanilla, baking spice, and a touch of tobacco.
Tasting Notes
A rich and layered palate offering bold dark fruit flavors, well-structured tannins, and a long, velvety finish marked by subtle hints of oak and dark chocolate.
Flavor Profile
Dominated by ripe blackberry, black currant, and plum, layered with savory notes of dried herbs, espresso, and toasted cedar from oak aging.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a lush, velvety texture, smooth viscosity, and a rich, concentrated mouthfeel.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-plus acidity providing freshness to balance the ripe fruit, backed by firm, fine-grained, and ripe tannins.
Sweetness Level
Dry
Alcohol Content
13.5% to 14.5% ABV
Aging & Oak
Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, with a portion of new oak imparting notes of vanilla, toast, and subtle spice.
Food Pairings
Ideal with grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb chops, rich mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses like aged Gouda or Cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 60-65°F in a large Bordeaux glass. Decant for 30 to 45 minutes before serving to open up the aromas.
Price Range
20 to 30 USD
Quality Assessment
Rated around 89 to 91 points, representing a very good, premium-tier California Cabernet Sauvignon that offers strong value for its price point.
Production Methods
Fermented in stainless steel tanks with temperature control, followed by extended maceration to extract color and tannins before aging in oak barrels.
Terroir
Paso Robles features warm daytime temperatures and cool nighttime breezes from the Pacific Ocean, allowing grapes to achieve full ripeness while retaining balanced acidity.
History & Heritage
The Fableist takes its name from Aesop's fables, with each wine corresponding to a specific fable and numbered accordingly (such as 373 for the cicada label).
Interesting Facts
The label features an intricate illustration of a cicada, referencing the ancient fable of the ant and the grasshopper, tying storytelling directly into the wine experience.
Cellaring Potential
Approachable now, but can age gracefully for 3 to 7 years in a proper cellar to develop more tertiary complexity.
Similar Wines
Other Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignons such as Daou, Austin Hope, or Josh Cellars Reserve.