PIVNITELE BIRAUAS | Josef | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2018
cabernet sauvignon

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Today we are going to review a single varietal cabernet sauvignon wine from Transylvania, more precisely from the Minis wine growing area of Romania – Josef Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 by Pivnitele Birauas. 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. This is a late harvest cabernet sauvignon wine, the successor of Josef 2017, also produced in a limited edition of only 2600 bottles – a tribute to the estate’s old name – Josef Domany. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity, the wine has been aged for 22 months in french oak barriques, with an additional 18 months of bottle ageing before it was deemed ready for release on the market. 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 garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades at the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & oaky
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated

On the nose, the wine offers a burst of ripe, red and black fruits, like dark cherries, cranberries and prune, with a touch of overripe blackberry adding even more richness. These fruit leans towards the dried and dehydrated character, hinting at late harvested grapes or possibly other drying techniques applied in the winemaking process. Woven throughout these primary notes are hints of oak, like nutmeg, cloves or toasted oakwood, suggesting some oak ageing. In the background, whispers of spice emerge, like anise or red pepper, adding an extra touch of complexity. Rounding out the wine’s aromatic profile are subtle earthy undertones, like dry leaves or black soil dust, hinting at the wine’s place of origin, known as ‘terroir’.

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

The palate mirrors the nose with an initial wave of ripe and dehydrated fruit flavors, however, these quickly transition to show some dried fruit character, hinting at the raisinated grapes used during the winemaking. The oak influence from the nose carries through as well, adding vanilla and baking spice notes that provide richness. The surprise comes from the wine’s high acidity, which is quite exuberant in character. The tannins are ripe and slightly grippy, but not harsh, while the most concerning aspect is the nuanced alcoholic warmth, which feels a touch overwhelming on the mid-palate and lingers into the aftertaste. The finish is crisp and a bit hot, with lingering hints of dried fruit, spice, and oak. That said, the wine’s mouthfeel is surprisingly supple, round, and rich, offering a pleasant textural contrast.

//Verdict
maturity: almost there | close to its prime | drink now or in the next 2 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

Overall, this wine exhibits the characteristics often associated with an appassimento style: dehydrated fruits, rich body and a touch of residual sweetness, however, in its current state, the wine clearly lacks the elegance and finesse one would expect from a top-tier cabernet sauvignon. The wine’s high acidity and prominent alcoholic warmth throw the balance slightly off, while the residual sweetness on the finish might be off-putting to some wine enthusiasts. While this wine might benefit from cellaring to allow the elements to further integrate, its  future potential remains mostly uncertain. This late harvest Cabernet Sauvignon might appeal to those who enjoy a rich, fruit-forward style, but for those who appreciate a more balanced and harmonious expression of this grape variety, we would suggest to look elsewhere.

//Scoring
PIVNITELE BIRAUAS | Josef | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2018
variety: cabernet sauvignon
country: Romania
region: Transilvania | Minis
rating: 93.1
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This is definitely a fine wine of Romania and, with a total of 93.1 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: Judging by the wine’s rich fruit character and its appealing touch of residual sweetness, we believe that it would be best suited for rich and flavorful dishes with sweet accents, like for example port braised lamb shanks. The richness of the braised lamb would counter-balance the wine’s tannins, while the sweetness of the port sauce would complement the residual sweetness and dehydrated fruit character of the wine. This pairing would allow the wine’s fruitiness and warmth to shine through, creating a quite appealing and harmonious wine and food pairing experience. Cheers!

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