Norton 1895 Cabernet Sauvignon

Norton 1895 Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13.7% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from high-altitude vineyards between 850 and 1,100 meters above sea level in Luján de Cuyo, this wine earned 87 points from Wine Spectator on its 2019 vintage and a Silver medal at the 2022 San Diego International Wine Competition for its 2020 vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.7%  |  Origin: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Bodega Norton

Production & Heritage

Bodega Norton was founded in 1895 by English engineer Edmund James Palmer Norton in Luján de Cuyo, one of Mendoza's most respected sub-regions. The winery has been owned by the Swarovski family since 1989. The 1895 line takes its name from that founding year and represents the winery's core range. Grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon are grown at elevations between 850 and 1,100 meters, where warm days and cool nights slow the ripening cycle, allowing the fruit to develop deep color, concentrated aromatics, and structural tannins before harvest.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with concentrated ripe plum and blackberry, followed by layers of strawberry preserves and cassis. A subtle dusty, earthy undertone adds complexity beneath the fruit.

Taste: On entry, dark plum and blackberry flavors coat the palate with moderate weight. The mid-palate introduces raspberry and a gentle chocolaty undertone, while tannins provide firm but balanced structure. The overall impression is fruit-forward without being jammy, held together by good acidity.

Finish: The finish is persistent, carrying cassis and dark berry flavors with a touch of spice. Tannins linger evenly, leaving a clean, dry close.

How to Drink Norton 1895 Cabernet

This wine drinks well at room temperature or slightly below, around 16–18°C (61–64°F). It benefits from a few minutes of air but does not require extended decanting. Its ripe berry profile and balanced tannins also make it a reliable cocktail and sangria base:

• Red Wine Sangria — the plum and blackberry aromatics pair naturally with sliced stone fruits and citrus.
• Kalimotxo — the fruit concentration and soft tannins hold up well against cola's sweetness in this classic Spanish-Basque combination.
• New York Sour — floated over a whiskey sour, the wine's deep color and berry notes add visual appeal and flavor depth.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled red meats or pasta
• Introducing someone to Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon
• Stocking a house wine that over-delivers at its price tier
• Casual gatherings or barbecues where accessibility matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Norton 1895 Cabernet taste like? It delivers ripe plum, blackberry, and raspberry flavors with a cassis accent on the finish, supported by balanced tannins and moderate body. The overall profile is fruit-driven and approachable, with a lively ruby-red appearance in the glass.

How does Norton 1895 Cabernet compare to Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are value-tier Argentine Cabernet Sauvignons from Mendoza, but Norton 1895 sources fruit from vineyards at 850–1,100 meters in Luján de Cuyo, while Alamos draws from Catena's various Mendoza holdings. Norton 1895 tends toward riper plum and berry concentration, whereas Alamos often shows slightly more herbal and dark cherry character.

Is Norton 1895 Cabernet good for everyday sipping? Yes — its balanced tannins, accessible fruit profile, and entry-level positioning make it a dependable everyday red that does not require decanting or special occasion justification.

Where is Norton 1895 Cabernet made? It is produced by Bodega Norton in Luján de Cuyo, a premier sub-region within Mendoza, Argentina, at the foothills of the Andes mountains. The vineyards sit at altitudes between 850 and 1,100 meters above sea level.

What foods pair well with Norton 1895 Cabernet? Grilled steak or Argentine-style asado complements the wine's dark fruit and tannin structure. Lamb chops with rosemary echo its subtle earthy notes. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego or Parmesan stand up to the wine's body. Empanadas with beef filling mirror its South American roots, and dark chocolate desserts bridge nicely with the chocolaty undertones on the palate.

What sizes does Norton 1895 Cabernet come in? The standard format is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available size.

Is Norton 1895 Cabernet worth the price? Norton 1895 Cabernet Sauvignon positions firmly as an entry-level expression, and its high-altitude fruit sourcing and consistent critical recognition — including 87 points from Wine Spectator — place it among the stronger values in the everyday Argentine Cabernet category.

Why Norton 1895 Cabernet?

The defining advantage here is altitude. Vineyards between 850 and 1,100 meters in Luján de Cuyo produce fruit with slower, more even ripening than lower-elevation sites, and that translates directly into the wine's concentrated color, layered aromatics, and structured tannins. Bodega Norton has been making wine in this corridor since 1895, giving the winery over a century of experience with these specific growing conditions. An 87-point rating from Wine Spectator and a Silver medal at the San Diego International Wine Competition confirm that this is not just an affordable bottle — it is a genuinely well-made Cabernet Sauvignon that competes above its weight class in the value tier.