The Forbidden Trail Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Full-bodied red wine · The Forbidden Trail
Vintage: 2022
Type
Full-bodied red wine
Producer
The Forbidden Trail
Country
United States
Vintage
2022
Region & Appellation
Napa Valley, Rutherford AVA, California
Grape Varieties
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Color & Appearance
Deep opaque ruby color with a dark purple core and a narrow magenta rim, showing medium-high viscosity with slow-moving, staining legs.
Aroma Profile
Intense aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and cassis, complemented by secondary notes of sweet vanilla, toasted cedar, and mocha, with subtle tertiary undertones of graphite and fresh sage.
Tasting Notes
A powerful and structured initial palate impression leading into a rich, concentrated mid-palate of dark fruits, seamlessly supported by well-integrated oak and smooth, fine-grained tannins that linger through a long, warming, and expressive finish.
Flavor Profile
Flavors of blackberry compote, black plum, and dark cherry, layered with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, crushed gravel, and a touch of sweet baking spice.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a rich, velvety texture and impressive concentration, backed by a plush mouthfeel and substantial extract.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-plus acidity that provides freshness and balance to the rich fruit, paired with firm yet ripe, fine-grained tannins that offer structure without excessive astringency.
Sweetness Level
Dry with minimal residual sugar
Alcohol Content
14.2% by volume
Aging & Oak
Aged in French oak barrels, incorporating a significant proportion of new oak to impart notes of vanilla, toast, and subtle spice while softening the tannins.
Food Pairings
Ideal with prime ribeye steak, roasted rack of lamb, braised short ribs, or aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and aged Gouda.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 60-65F in a large Bordeaux-style glass; decant for 1 to 2 hours before drinking.
Price Range
Estimated retail price between $75 and $150 USD
Quality Assessment
Estimated score of 91-93 points, representing a premium, well-crafted Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a focused flavor profile and strong regional typicity.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested fruit from Rutherford, destemmed and fermented in temperature-controlled tanks with extended maceration, followed by malolactic fermentation and barrel aging.
Terroir
Grown in the alluvial soils of the Rutherford AVA, featuring well-draining gravelly loam infused with volcanic ash, benefiting from warm sunny days and cool evening breezes from the San Pablo Bay.
History & Heritage
Crafted as a boutique offering highlighting the unique character and classic dustiness of the Rutherford AVA.
Interesting Facts
The label features evocative adventure-themed storytelling that appeals to collectors seeking bold and expressive Napa Valley terroir.
Cellaring Potential
Drinking well upon release after decanting, but will continue to develop and evolve gracefully over the next 8 to 12 years when stored in optimal cellar conditions.
Similar Wines
Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon