TARABOSTE | Tribut | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2017
cabernet sauvignon

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The Taraboste label was created to represent the noble heritage of moldovan winemaking, thus showcasing the country’s unique terroir. Taraboste was the name given by the romans to the aristocracy of the geto-dacians – a name that is meant to highlight the nobility of each wine. Inspired by Moldova’s traditions and cultural richness, Taraboste wines resonate with heritage, people and the continuous pursuit of excellence.
Today we are going to review a single-varietal cabernet sauvignon wine that comes from the Valul lui Traian region, situated in the south of Moldova – Taraboste Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 by Château Vartely. Made of grapes that were sourced from the warm Bugeac area, which is designated under the Valul lui Traian IGP, this wine has been aged in french and hungarian oak barrels for 30 months, with another 12 months in the bottle, before it was released on the market in a limited edition of only 7214 bottles. The wine is also part of the Taraboste line, which is a tribute to the dacian ancestors, who set up the old traditions of winemaking in the northern Balkan regions.

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, that can mature and develop for many years in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon is also a late ripening grape variety, which means that it is best suited for warm climates, where it is capable to produce wines that can reach into realms of perfection, where they are rarely followed.

Valul lui Traian IGP boasts a warm continental climate that is ideal for viticulture, especially suited for red grape varieties. The region’s geography forms a harmonious balance between warm summer days and cool nights, which is essential for achieving optimal ripeness and for the development of rich flavors in the grapes. The soil here is predominantly clay, limestone, and sandy loam, ensuring excellent drainage and providing the necessary nutrients to the vines while also contributing a slight minerality to the wines. Compared to similar wines from other regions, those from Valul lui Traian area showcase a robust aromatic intensity brought by the unique climatic and soil characteristics of the region.

color: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy & noble garnet shades at the rim

In the glass, the wine presents a deep and opaque ruby color, enhanced by hazy garnet shades at the rim.

intensity: rich & expressively-oaky
fruit character: ripe & dried

The aromatic profile of this wine is rich and expressively-oaky, showcasing a harmonious blend of ripe and dried black fruits (cassis, blackcurrant, dark cherry, prune, aronia berry, and blackberry), complemented by toasty oak-derived notes (tobacco, cloves, toasted oakwood) and a hint of vanilla. In the background, an intricate array of baking spice (peppercorn, nutmeg, cloves, anise) and earthy elements (pencil lead, granite, asphalt) emerge, resulting in a complex and inviting bouquet.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: velvety-crisp

On the palate, the wine reveals a round, rich, and bold character, with flavors of ripe and dehydrated black fruits, combined with nuances of oak and baking spice. The wine feels dry, supported by crisp acidity and a nicely-integrated touch of alcoholic warmth. Fine-grained tannins provide a velvety texture, leading to a silky finish that lingers with a crisp aftertaste, highlighting the wine’s complexity and depth.

maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2-3 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this wine reflects a profound expression of quality, that is both harmonious and vibrant. While it is still developing, it is very close to its prime, making it enjoyable today or capable of further ageing for an additional 2 to 3 years. This wine manages to showcase the varietal typicity of the cabernet sauvignon grape variety with a compelling depth and structure – it might be the best cabernet sauvignon wine ever produced in Moldova.

TARABOSTE | Tribut | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2017
variety: cabernet sauvignon
country: Moldova
region: Valul lui Traian | Bugeac
rating: 94.5

Consider pairing this wine with robust dishes such as game meats, roasted duck, and grilled lamb chops. The wine’s bold profile and expressive mouthfeel would complement the richness of these dishes, creating a complementary harmony that would enhance both, the food and the wine to create an extraordinary tasting experience.

The name ‘Taraboste’ was historically given by the romans to signify the aristocracy of the geto-dacian tribes, who lived in what is now modern-day Romania and Moldova. The Tarabostes were at the top of the dacian social hierarchy and were distinguishable by their attire, particularly a type of pointed hat called a pileus, which symbolized their noble status.

© 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. Cheers!