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Expert Rating

The Oberto family bottled one single Barolo in 2022. It largely features their vineyards in the cool, late-ripening Berri sub-district. Holdings in Rocche dell'Annunziata represent approximately 18% of the blend. A quiet charmer, this boasts precision and purity as its strengths. Scents of cranberry, redcurrant, pepper and brushwood take some coaxing. The palate is tightly knit and slender but well-endowed with flavours of juicy red berries and cardamom. Lively acidity meets al dente tannins. Do not take this for a pushover. 93 Points...

Tasted by: Michaela Morris (at Fontanafredda, 02 Nov 2025) Drinking Window: 2026 - 2036.

Description

A beautifully poised and expressive Barolo from the village of La Morra, showcasing Trediberri’s signature style of precision, purity, and finesse. Sourced primarily from the high-altitude Berri vineyard, with a smaller portion from Rocche dell’Annunziata, this wine captures both elegance and structure in a challenging vintage.

The nose is lifted and perfumed, revealing aromas of fresh cherry, rose petals, and subtle spice, with hints of earth and dried herbs. On the palate, it is vibrant and finely structured, offering red berry fruit, cranberry, and floral tones, supported by bright acidity and refined tannins. There is a beautiful sense of tension and balance, with no heaviness—just clarity and energy.

The finish is long, precise, and mineral-driven, with classic Barolo notes of rose, spice, and a touch of savory complexity. A wine that combines approachability with serious structure, making it both enjoyable young and capable of aging.

Experience the Exquisite Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Description

Notes of blackberry, toasted hazelnut, and cinnamon, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak.
Pairs well with well-seasoned beef, pork, lamb, or your favorite chocolate desserts.

Memo Summary Notes

Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon California 2023 is a quintessential "Modern California" red—designed to be approachable, fruit-forward, and smooth. It remains the flagship wine of the brand, created by Joseph Carr as a tribute to his father.

Because of its balanced acidity and smooth tannins, this wine is versatile:

    •    Meats: Well-seasoned beef, grilled pork chops, or lamb.
    •    Pasta: Hearty red sauces (Bolognese or marinara).
    •    Cheese: Hard cheeses like aged Cheddar or Gouda.
    •    Dessert: Dark chocolate or flourless chocolate cake.
 Bold Flavors.

Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a remarkable wine that showcases the true essence of California vineyards. With every sip, you are greeted with bold flavors of dark fruits like blackberry and plum. The subtle notes of vanilla and toasted oak add a refined character to this Cabernet Sauvignon, making it a delightful experience. This wine is perfect for special occasions or simply to enjoy after a long day because it beautifully complements a variety of dishes.

Perfect Pairings for Every Occasion

This Cabernet Sauvignon is not just a pleasure on its own; it pairs wonderfully with a wide range of foods. Whether you are serving a hearty steak, rich pasta dishes, or even a selection of aged cheeses, Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the flavors of your meal. Its balanced acidity and smooth finish make it a versatile choice for any dinner party or casual gathering. So, you can trust that this wine will impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.

A Testament to Winemaking Excellence

Josh Cellars is known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship in every bottle they produce. The 2023 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception, as it reflects the careful selection of grapes and the meticulous winemaking process. With its beautiful deep color and aromatic bouquet, this wine is truly a testament to the excellence of California winemaking. Because of this dedication, wine lovers everywhere regard Josh Cellars as a trusted choice in premium wines.
 

Winemaker Notes

Fresh red fruits and a floral note immediately jump from the nose. Dark ripe raspberries, spices, lavender, hints of oak and cassis emerge after the initial blast of fruit. Beautifully balanced with nice acidity and ripe tannins.

About the Wine

A to Z Wineworks is Oregon’s largest premium winery and one of the state’s most trusted names for everyday Pinot Noir. Founded by four Oregon wine veterans — including Deb Hatcher (Eyrie Vineyards) and Sam Tannahill (Archery Summit) — A to Z sources fruit from top vineyards across the Willamette Valley and beyond, blending for consistency, balance, and pure Oregon character at an accessible price. A certified B Corporation committed to sustainability.

Tasting & Pairings

Raspberry, lavender, cassis, spice, and hints of oak. Medium-bodied with nice acidity, ripe tannins, and beautiful balance.

• Roasted chicken or grilled salmon — the bright fruit and balanced acidity are a natural Oregon pairing.
• Mushroom pasta or risotto — the earthy undertones complement umami-rich dishes.
• Charcuterie or mild cheeses — an easy, versatile weeknight red.

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | (Tasting Date November 17, 2023) |  A rich though youthful golden hue, the NV Champagne Special Cuvée Brut is classic and ripe with lush, rounded, and complex aromas of golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone, and black cherry. Made with 45% of the wine coming from the 2019 vintage, with 55% reserve wine, it’s full-bodied yet elegant and light on its feet, with a ripe and luxurious feel and just a hint of warmth on the finish. The mousse is refined and rounded. Long on the palate, it's inviting now but will have plenty of life ahead of it if stored property. This exceptional cuvée with its distinctive personality continues to be one of the best entry wines to the range from this house and is a benchmark wine for them.

James Suckling 93 Points |  (Reviewed August 7, 2023) Lovely density and a fine-bubble texture. Dried apple and apricot with hints of dried flowers. Medium to full body. with medium-rich fruit. Spice, zest and ginger character. Usually 10% in barrel. 60% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 15% pinot meunier. About 40% reserve wine kept in magnums. Always really well done. Drink now.

Decanter 95 Points | If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for you. Bollinger Champagne has made a number of cameos in James Bond films over the year. This non-vintage Special Cuvée is an example of a classic Champagne done well. Notes of marzipan on the nose and the palate give toastiness and leesy notes, specifically sourdough. It’s classic for a reason and would only elevate any table it finds itself on. 

Jancis Robinson 17/20 Points (Tasted October 14, 2022) |  Look out for that lot code, as this is a particularly stunning rendition of Bollinger, almost certainly improved with the bottling in magnum. Very fine texture, quite deeply coloured, remarkably fine mousse. Savoury, biscuity notes on the palate. Great length – a lovely example.  - Jancis Robinson 17

Robert Parker 92 Points |  Like its rosé counterpart, the latest release of Bollinger's NV Brut Special Cuvée is showing especially well, bursting from the glass with aromas of honeyed apples, crisp stone fruit, buttery pastry, ripe lemons and fresh walnuts. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and vinous, with a deep core of beautifully ripe fruit, racy acids and a pillowy mousse, it's a charming, characterful wine that proves that Special Cuvée is firmly back where it belongs.  Drinking 2021 - 2025.