Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

A Californian Cabernet from Waitrose

Alexander Valley AVA is a sub-region of Sonoma; its wines are typically plush, fruit forward and voluptuous. One of the warmest areas in Northern California, at night it experiences a wide diurnal temperature variation and early morning fog bring more freshness to the wines.

Warmer climate wines typically do not age as well, but this still feels fresh and primary even with four years' age.

Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Alexander Valley (Waitrose, £17.99) port-like with plum and cherry fruit, eucalyptus, oaky spice and fresh damp earth; ripe, juicy and slightly jammy dark berry fruits. Hefty, warming and substantial with a glycerol, almost oily texture and soft, fine-grained tannins.

Good.

A big wine that needs big food to match - smoked duck breast or hare.