Game Of Thrones Cabernet Sauvignon

Game of Thrones Cabernet Sauvignon is a Napa Valley red wine blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah at 13.9% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The 2015 vintage earned a Double Gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and the wine has received a 91-point rating from Wine Spectator.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Blend  |  Winemaker: Bob Cabral

Production & Heritage

The Game of Thrones Cabernet Sauvignon was assembled by award-winning winemaker Bob Cabral, known for his work at Three Sticks Wines in Sonoma. Cabral personally tasted through numerous lots sourced primarily from Swanson Winery, Clos Pegase, and Girard Winery — all respected Napa Valley producers — selecting based on aroma, mouthfeel, and tannin structure rather than laboratory analysis. The resulting blend finishes just under 14% alcohol, unusually restrained for a modern Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, and sees extended aging in French oak barrels that contribute structure and aromatic complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with blackcurrant and briar, followed by Tahitian vanilla layered through the oak influence. Deeper inhales reveal subtle coffee and cocoa undertones that add richness to the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is ripe cherry and strawberry, giving way to a thick, velvety mid-palate where chocolate and coffee notes fill out the texture. Vanilla weaves through from start to finish, while the blend of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah adds density and color depth without harshness.

Finish: The finish is long and smooth, carried by well-integrated tannins with a lingering touch of cocoa. It fades gradually, leaving a warm, fruit-driven impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Game of Thrones Cab

This wine drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 20–30 minutes of breathing time in the glass. Its velvety texture and moderate alcohol make it approachable on its own, but it also stands up in a few classic preparations.

• Classic Cabernet Pairing: Serve alongside a grilled ribeye — the tannin structure and dark fruit cut through the fat beautifully.
• Red Wine Sangria: The ripe cherry and vanilla notes make a rich base for a sangria with orange, apple, and a splash of brandy.
• Mulled Wine: The cocoa and spice undertones amplify warm spice additions like cinnamon, clove, and star anise during cooler months.

Best For

• Gifting a Game of Thrones fan who also appreciates quality wine
• Hosting a themed dinner party or watch event with friends
• Introducing someone to Napa Valley Cabernet without a steep price commitment
• Building a pop-culture wine collection with actual critical credentials

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Game of Thrones Cab taste like? It leads with ripe cherry and blackcurrant fruit, supported by chocolate, coffee, and vanilla from French oak aging, finishing with smooth tannins and cocoa.

How does Game of Thrones Cab compare to other Napa Cabernets at this price? It sits in the mid-priced Napa Cabernet segment but punches above its tier with a Double Gold medal and a 91-point Wine Spectator rating, outperforming many similarly priced Napa reds on critical reception. Its lower 13.9% ABV also gives it more balance and drinkability than many fruit-forward Napa Cabs that push 15% alcohol.

Is Game of Thrones Cab good for sipping neat? Yes — the velvety texture, moderate tannins, and layered fruit-to-cocoa progression make it well suited for sipping on its own after a brief decant or 20 minutes in the glass.

Where is Game of Thrones Cab made? It is produced in Napa Valley, California, with fruit sourced from established Napa producers including Swanson Winery, Clos Pegase, and Girard Winery, and assembled by winemaker Bob Cabral.

What foods pair well with Game of Thrones Cab? Grilled red meats like ribeye or lamb chops match the tannin structure well. Aged cheddar or Gouda complement the vanilla and cocoa notes. Mushroom risotto echoes the wine's earthy undertones. Dark chocolate desserts amplify the cocoa finish. Braised short ribs mirror the wine's rich, velvety texture.

What sizes does Game of Thrones Cab come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Game of Thrones Cab worth the price? It positions as an accessible mid-tier Napa Valley Cabernet, and its critical reception — including a Double Gold medal and scores in the low 90s — suggests it delivers strong value relative to other wines at this level from the region.

Why Game of Thrones Cab?

Plenty of licensed wines trade entirely on their franchise name; this one has the critical record to back it up. A Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and a 91-point Wine Spectator score put it in credible territory for a Napa Cabernet at any price point, let alone this one. Bob Cabral's hands-on blending approach — tasting and selecting lots by sensory evaluation rather than chemistry — produced a wine with an uncommonly balanced 13.9% ABV that lets the fruit and oak speak without the alcoholic heat typical of many modern Napa reds. For collectors, fans, or anyone looking for a legitimate Napa Cab with a conversation-starting label, this bottle earns its place on the table.