First wine review for 2025!
The Revana 2018 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon. This amazing wine embodies the artistry and precision of Napa Valley winemaking, showcasing the bold flavors and elegance that Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for. With its rich profile and sophisticated structure, this wine is destined to be your next favorite, whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a casual enthusiast. I let it breath for about 20-30 minutes.
Sip
Moderate Acidity: Balanced, providing enough acidity to offer freshness and structure without being overly tart.
Full-Bodied: Rich, heavy, and robust on the palate, often with higher alcohol content and greater viscosity.
High Tannin: Wines with high tannin levels have a strong, pronounced astringency and a drying effect on the mouth. While high they were matured so softened a bit.
Long Finish: The flavors and sensations persist for a long time, typically over 30 seconds after swallowing.
Aroma: Dark berries, blackberry, black currant, blueberries, with hints of oak
Tastes Like: Intense flavors of blackberries and black currants, blueberries and jammy, slight oak.
Savor
The Revana 2018 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon pairs exquisitely with a range of dishes, enhancing each with its robust flavors and full-bodied character:
Grilled Steaks (Ribeye or Filet Mignon): The wine's full body and high tannins stand up beautifully to the rich, juicy flavors of grilled steaks, while its dark fruit notes complement the savory char of the meat.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, pair with grilled portobello mushrooms topped with blue cheese. The wine's earthy undertones harmonize with the umami-rich mushrooms, while its tannins balance the cheese's creaminess.
Beef Short Ribs: Serve alongside slow-cooked beef short ribs. The wine's structure complements the tender, flavorful meat, while its fruit notes add depth to the dish.
Aged Cheddar: Indulge in a sharp, aged cheddar. The wine's fruit-forward profile and high tannins cut through the cheese's richness, creating a balanced pairing.
Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops: Explore the classic pairing of Cabernet and lamb. The wine's full body and dark fruit flavors enhance the herb crust and complement the lamb's gamey notes.
Dark Chocolate Truffles: Conclude your meal with rich, dark chocolate truffles. The wine's hints of oak pair wonderfully with the deep cocoa flavors, while its fruit notes add a pleasant contrast.
Grilled Eggplant: Try with herb-grilled eggplant slices. The wine's tannins and fruit flavors complement the vegetable's smoky char and meaty texture.
By exploring these pairings, you'll unlock the full potential of the Revana 2018 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon, creating memorable dining experiences that celebrate the wine's bold character and the rich culinary traditions of Napa Valley and beyond. We paired with some grilled steaks, and they were wonderful with the wine.
Simplify
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley, California
Country: USA
ABV: 14.7%
Price & Store: $180.00 wine club
Occasion: Versatile - Wines that can fit into multiple occasions, from casual to more formal settings.
Conclusion:
I bought the Revana 2018 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon as part of a package that showcased the winemakers’ different varietals. I put it in our wine refrigerator and forgot how much I spent on it. We decided to have filet mignon, and I wanted a special wine so I opened the bottle and let it breath while I was preparing the steaks for the grill. Once I tasted it, I knew I opened up something special that I should have saved for a special occasion. Good wine is great on any occasion though, so it made our evening. Next time I’m looking for a special Cabernet, I’ll look to Revana again. It was amazing!