PRINCE STIRBEY | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2018
cabernet sauvignon

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Today we are going to review a single varietal cabernet sauvignon wine from the Dealurile Olteniei wine growing area, more precisely from the Dragasani region of Romania – Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 by Prince Stirbey. Cabernet Sauvignon is grown all over the world in a wide range of climates and regions and it can produce wines that are very high in tannins and acidity, wines that can mature and develop for many years in the bottle. Because cabernet sauvignon is a late ripening grape variety, it is best suited for warmer climates, where it is capable to produce wines that can reach into realms of perfection. In Romania, this grape variety was introduced at the start of 20th century, after the phylloxera disaster and since then, it has excelled as a variety that suits amazingly well the southern terroirs, especially those of Dragasani and Samburesti. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity, this wine has been aged for 12 months in french and romanian oak barriques. This wine is quite a rarity, as it has been produced in a limited edition of only 3670 bottles, but we digress, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: medium-deep ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby-indigo shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & savory
fruit character: ripe & vibrant

The nose of this wine opens up with a burst of ripe and vibrant red fruit aromas. Think cranberries, fresh cherries and redcurrants, with a touch of plump plums adding depth and richness. These fruit notes are vibrant and inviting, but there’s more to the story, as pronounced savory notes weave throughout, offering even more complexity with appealing notes that might be described as meaty or earthy. Think of leather, brown olives, loam dust and fresh clay. These savory undertones add a touch of rustic charm to the wine’s overall aromatic profile. In the background, some whispers of baking spice and hints of oak can be detected. These elements add a touch of warmth and richness, hinting at the complexity that awaits on the palate.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: crisp

The palate mirrors the nose, offering a wave of ripe and juicy red fruit flavors that explode on the tongue. Under the surface, there’s a deeper layer of flavours, with subtle savory and earthy undertones, adding complexity without overpowering the fruit. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the richness of the fruit beautifully, keeping the wine lively and refreshing, while the tannins are a revelation – velvety smooth and fine-grained, they provide structure and finesse without any harshness. A touch of well integrated alcoholic warmth adds depth, leading to a crisp and clean aftertaste. This is one of the most balanced wines we’ve tasted lately, with a round, ample, and voluptuous mouthfeel- a truly delightful wine.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2 or 3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

Overall, this is a stunning example of a terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon wine crafted in a traditional, Old World style. The emphasis is on balance, harmony and finesse, with all elements working seamlessly together to create a truly delightful tasting experience. While the wine might lack the bold power of some New World Cabernets, this one still offers enough structure and a captivating interplay of fruit, earth and spice. This is a wine for those wine connoisseurs, who appreciate elegance and finesse above all else.

//Scoring
PRINCE STIRBEY | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2018
variety: cabernet sauvignon
country: Romania | Oltenia
region: Dealurile Olteniei | Dragasani
rating: 93.6
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This is definitely a fine wine of Romania and, with a total of 93.6 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Due to this Cabernet Sauvignon’s focus on vibrant red fruits with intriguing savory and earthy undertones, we believe it would be a fantastic match for an elegant and flavorful dish, like for example Tournedos Rossini – the classic french pan-seared beef tenderloin with foie gras and a madeira-based sauce. The richness of the foie gras would complement the wine’s voluptuous mouthfeel, while the savory notes of the beef would echo the earthy hints in the wine. In the same key, the bright acidity would cut through the richness of the dish, while the juicy red fruit flavors would complement the richness of the sauce. This pairing would allow both, the wine and the food to shine, creating a truly memorable wine tasting experience. Enjoy!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.