Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon

Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon is a California red bottled at 14.5% ABV, a strength that points to ripe fruit and a full, warm body. The details we have don't include a vintage, appellation or oak regimen, so what follows describes what California Cabernet at this alcohol level typically delivers, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect dark fruit at the center: blackberry, black currant and plum, often with a touch of dark chocolate, vanilla or baking spice if the wine saw oak. Tannins in this style tend to be firm but rounded, acidity moderate, and the finish fairly long, with the alcohol adding a gentle warmth at the back. At the table, the structure and tannin call for fat and protein. Grilled ribeye, New York strip or a burger with aged cheddar are the obvious matches, since the fat softens the grip of the tannin. Braised short ribs, lamb chops with rosemary and roasted mushrooms also suit a wine of this weight. Hard, aged cheeses such as Gouda or Manchego work well on a board. Delicate fish, light salads and very spicy dishes are poor partners, because the tannin and alcohol will overpower them or turn hot. Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65°F. A 14.5% wine served too warm tastes alcoholic and loose, so 15 minutes in the refrigerator before opening helps on a warm day. If the wine is young and the tannins feel tight, pour it into a decanter or open the bottle 30 to 60 minutes ahead. Either step lets the fruit open up and softens the edges. A large-bowled Bordeaux-style glass gives the wine room to breathe and sends the dark fruit aroma toward the nose. This is best treated as a drink-now bottle. Once open, recork it and keep it in a cool place. It will hold for two or three days, though the fruit fades a little each day.