CMS Cabernet Sauvignon - Hedges

The CMS Cabernet Sauvignon - Hedges shines in the glass with a deep, dark purple hue, a bright ruby rim and an invitingly dense color. From the very first swirl, an intense aroma rises, evoking images of ripe dark berries, fine chocolate and subtle oak. Blackcurrants, blackberries and juicy black cherries shape the bouquet, joined by cocoa, toffee and a delicate note of vanilla.

In the background, nuances of leather, tobacco and a hint of sage appear, lending the aromatic profile a sophisticated, gently bitter spice. This aromatic depth perfectly matches its origin in Washington State, where warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to ripen intensely. The region produces concentrated, forceful wines with clarity and freshness.

On the palate, the CMS Cabernet Sauvignon - Hedges is powerful and at the same time surprisingly smooth. The opening reveals dark fruits, cassis and black cherry, like a basket full of ripe berries. The tannins are silky and well-integrated, with a fine grip that provides structure without rough edges.

The juicy acidity brings freshness and tension to this cuvée and carries the fruit far into the finish. In the mid-palate, notes of cocoa, mocha, toffee and a touch of vanilla emerge, pointing to skillful use of oak. The spice of sage, black pepper and a hint of cedarwood completes the picture.

The style is clearly influenced by its overseas character: intense, fruit-driven, generous and yet well balanced. Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure, cassis and backbone; Merlot adds richness, dark plum and soft contours. Syrah complements with spice, dark berry fruit and a delicate smoky streak.

On the nose, the wine unfolds an impressive aromatic range:

• Blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry
• Cocoa, mocha, dark chocolate and toffee
• Vanilla, cedarwood and fine roasted notes
• Leather, tobacco leaf and a touch of smoke
• Sage, black pepper and subtle herbal tones

On the palate, this is a full-flavored, dry red wine with a medium to full body, dense fruit and noticeable yet velvety tannins. The texture appears soft, almost creamy, while the clear line of acidity provides lively tension. The finish is long and aromatic, with notes of cassis, coffee and vanilla that fade slowly.

The origin in Washington State plays an important role in this style. The climate combines intense sunshine with cool nights. In this way the grapes achieve rich ripeness yet retain freshness and aromatic clarity. The varied soils of gravel, sand and volcanic rock lend minerality and depth. Thus, the CMS Cabernet Sauvignon - Hedges shows not only power but also an elegant, precise streak.

For wine enthusiasts who enjoy powerful, fruit-driven red wines from overseas, this cuvée offers several highlights:

1. Intense dark fruit with clear Cabernet character
2. Harmonious use of oak with cocoa, toffee and vanilla
3. Silky tannins and juicy acidity that invite continued sipping
4. Multilayered spice with leather, tobacco and sage
5. A strong presence as a food companion on many occasions

Production of the CMS Cabernet Sauvignon by Hedges

The grapes for this red wine come from selected sites in the U.S. state of Washington. The continental climate with warm summers and cool nights yields expressive, aromatic berries. Low rainfall and abundant sunshine promote concentration and dense fruit. The vines grow on soils of sand, gravel and clay, in part with volcanic influence. This diversity brings tension and fine minerality to the wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the cuvée. The variety contributes cassis, structure and pronounced yet ripe tannins. Merlot adds juiciness, plum fruit and a round, caressing texture. Syrah provides spice, dark berries, light pepper notes and a touch of smoke. Together they create a complex, modern red wine with a clear overseas signature.

The harvest is carried out at full ripeness and carefully tailored to each parcel. The winemakers focus on aromatically concentrated grapes. The goal remains an optimal balance between sugar ripeness, tannin ripeness and acidity. In some cases, selection already takes place in the vineyard, with further sorting in the cellar.

After arrival, the grapes are destemmed and gently crushed. Fermentation on the skins takes place with temperature control to extract fruit, color and tannins in a targeted way. Regular pumping over or punching down of the cap promotes gentle extraction and finely structured tannins. Fermentation takes place predominantly in stainless steel tanks to preserve clarity and freshness in the profile.

A portion of the wine is aged in wooden barrels. This stage imparts notes of vanilla, cedarwood, cocoa and subtle toast to the cuvée. At the same time, the tannins become more rounded and the wine gains depth and complexity. The individual lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are matured separately at first. Only afterward does the cellar team determine the final blend.

This careful combination brings fruit, spice, structure and drinking pleasure into perfect balance. The maturation process is clearly aligned with the stylistic objective: a powerful yet elegant red wine with a strong sense of origin from Washington and a modern, international profile.

Serving suggestions for the CMS Cabernet Sauvignon by Hedges

The CMS Cabernet Sauvignon by Hedges is an excellent match for hearty dishes, grilled meats and flavorful cuisine. The concentrated fruit and fine roasted aromas pair particularly well with beef. A juicy ribeye from the grill, accompanied by rosemary potatoes and oven-roasted vegetables, is an excellent choice. A burger with high-quality beef, grilled bell pepper and aged Cheddar also finds a strong partner in this wine.

With braised beef or lamb, for example a slow-cooked ragout with root vegetables, the wine reveals its spicy, profound side. The aromas of leather, tobacco and sage harmonize with dark sauces, herbs and roasted flavors from the pan. Game dishes with lingonberries, chestnuts and mushrooms also benefit from the structure and intensity of this cuvée.

Those who prefer meat-free dishes can opt for sautéed mushroom dishes, lentil stew or stuffed peppers with herbs and tomato sauce. Grilled vegetables, ratatouille or pasta with robust tomato or eggplant sauce are likewise very suitable. Mature, semi-hard cheeses such as Cheddar or Gouda make a fitting conclusion to a meal with this wine.

As a red wine for convivial evenings with friends, the CMS Cabernet Sauvignon by Hedges shows plenty of charm. It accompanies tapas with chorizo, Serrano ham or spicy chicken skewers just as well as a platter of antipasti, olives and assertive cheeses. At a fine dinner, it makes an impressive partner for the main course.

The ideal serving temperature is around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. A short period of airing in a decanter before serving noticeably enhances its expression and harmony. A generously shaped red wine glass with a wide opening provides enough space for the cuvée to unfold its aromas. With proper cellaring, the wine will develop additional depth and finesse over the next few years.

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