TOHANI | Maestro | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2016
cabernet sauvignon

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Today we have decided that the time has come to review a very special wine and one of our all-time favourites – a single-varietal cabernet sauvignon from the famous Dealu Mare region, a wine that is rightly considered to be one of the best wines of Romania – Maestro Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 by Tohani. 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. Maestro is the winemaker’s flagship red wine and a real classic – vinified in a distinctive, new world style, with manually selected, hand picked grapes, the wine has been aged for 26 months in french oak barriques (from which only 10 were selected), and then aged in the the cellar for another 6 months before being released on the market. But enough with all that theory, 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: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy & noble ruby shades

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

On the first nose, this wine unveils a captivating interplay of ripe and overripe red fruits in the foreground. The aroma unfolds with delightful notes of black cherries, dark plums, and blackberries. These notes are complemented by nuanced, oak-derived undertones that add complexity and sophistication to the wine’s aromatic profile, with hints of toasted oakwood, tonka seeds, and tobacco. The background introduces some earthy elements, with subtle hints of pencil lead and black soil, creating a sense of connection to the vineyard’s terroir. This well-balanced aromatic ensemble creates a harmonious marriage between the vibrant fruit expression and the grounded earthiness, resulting in a wine that offers both vibrancy and depth in its olfactory profile. The nuanced hints of oak adds a noble layer of complexity, adding a gentle touch of anise and  vanilla to the overall olfactory experience.

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

On the palate, this wine delivers a symphony of flavors, showcasing a ripe to overripe fruit character. The mouthfeel is marked by crisp acidity, offering an invigorating liveliness, complemented by ripe and seedy tannins, that contribute to a firm and grippy texture, with a noticeable touch of alcoholic warmth that adds depth and structure, forming a muscular and bold mouthfeel. All of that evolve into a seedy-crisp aftertaste that leave a long and lasting sensation. This cabernet sauvignon wine strikes a harmonious balance between its nuanced and vibrant fruit expression, pronounced mouthfeel, and layered complexity, making it an outstanding choice for any wine enthusiasts seeking for a expressive tasting experience.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or in the next 2 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this is an expressive and nuanced cabernet sauvignon wine with a rich and vibrant, fruit-forward profile. The mouthfeel is bold and grippy, contributing to the wine’s overall structure and complexity. The wine exhibits good varietal characteristics and a subtle terroir-driven accent, yet it falls short of achieving the much desired elegance that a high-end cabernet sauvignon wine would deliver. Nevertheless, the wine’s round and velvety mouthfeel, along with its voluptuous and rich character, creates a captivating tasting experience, making it a must-try for those wine connoisseurs that are looking for a top-quality cabernet sauvignon.

//Scoring
TOHANI | Maestro | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2016
variety: cabernet sauvignon
country: Romania | Muntenia
region: Dealu Mare
rating: 95.0

//Prediction
predicted RP rating: 91+
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This is definitely a great wine of Romania and, with a total of 95.0 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 grippy and expressive flavor profile, we would recommend pairing it with a perfectly grilled T-bone or Tomahawk steak. The wine’s ripe and nuanced, black fruits notes and well integrated oak-derived hints will complement the robust flavors of the steak, enhancing the overall savory experience, while the firm structure of the wine aligns seamlessly with the firm texture of the meat. In the same key, the seedy aftertaste and crisp acidity in the wine, will provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty richness of the steak, thus creating a symphony of flavours and textures, forming a genuine gastronomic 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.