Marlo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Marlo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from California's premier wine counties, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. What distinguishes this wine is its multi-county sourcing strategy, drawing fruit from Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma — three of the state's most celebrated growing regions — to achieve a layered, balanced profile. The wine was recognized at the 2014 Critics Challenge Wine Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: California, USA (Mendocino, Napa & Sonoma Counties)  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Purple Wine + Spirits

Production & Heritage

Marlo Cellars is produced by Purple Wine + Spirits, a California-based wine company known for developing brands that highlight the state's diverse terroir. The fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced across Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma counties, allowing the winemaking team to select lots from multiple microclimates and elevations. This multi-appellation blending approach gives the final wine complexity that a single-vineyard or single-county bottling might not achieve at this price tier, marrying the structure of Napa fruit with the ripe generosity of Sonoma and Mendocino grapes.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe blackberry and plum lead the nose, followed by toasty oak, vanilla bean, and a subtle undercurrent of baking spices. The aromatics are generous without being heavy, suggesting well-integrated oak treatment.

Taste: The entry is rich and fruit-forward, with concentrated blackberry and dark currant flavors. At mid-palate, cherry and cedar emerge alongside a streak of licorice that adds savory depth. Tannins are velvety rather than grippy, lending the wine a round, approachable mouthfeel.

Finish: The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of cedar, vanilla, and dark fruit. A gentle spice warmth carries through, keeping the wine interesting well after each sip.

How to Drink Marlo Cellars Cab

This Cabernet drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with no decanting required, though 20–30 minutes of air can further soften the tannins. It also works as a versatile cocktail and mixed-drink component. A Cabernet Cobbler — shaken with muddled blackberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup over crushed ice — highlights the wine's dark fruit character. A classic Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) pairs well with the wine's inherent sweetness and spice. For a warming option, a Mulled Wine preparation with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange peel amplifies the baking spice notes already present in the glass.

Best For

• Weeknight steak dinners when you want quality without overthinking
• Stocking a home bar with a reliable, food-friendly California red
• Introducing newer wine drinkers to Cabernet Sauvignon's core character
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a casual dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Marlo Cellars Cab taste like? It delivers ripe blackberry, cherry, and dark currant flavors layered with cedar, vanilla, and licorice, all framed by soft, velvety tannins. The overall impression is rich and fruit-forward with a smooth, spice-tinged finish.

How does Marlo Cellars Cab compare to Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are multi-regional California Cabernets positioned in a similar value tier, but Marlo Cellars draws from three specific North Coast counties (Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma), while Josh Cellars sources more broadly across California. Marlo Cellars tends toward a slightly more structured, cedar-driven profile, whereas Josh Cellars is often described as softer and more fruit-dominant.

Is Marlo Cellars Cab good for beginners? Yes — the velvety tannins and ripe fruit character make it an approachable entry point for anyone exploring Cabernet Sauvignon. It avoids the harsh astringency that can put off newer red wine drinkers.

Where is Marlo Cellars Cab made? Marlo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in California by Purple Wine + Spirits, using fruit sourced from vineyards across Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma counties on the state's North Coast.

What foods pair well with Marlo Cellars Cab? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's bold dark fruit and cedar notes. Braised short ribs match its velvety texture and spice. Aged cheddar or Gouda amplify the vanilla and toasty oak. Roasted lamb with rosemary echoes the herbal undertones. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine's berry richness without overwhelming the palate.

What sizes does Marlo Cellars Cab come in? Marlo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Marlo Cellars Cab worth the price? Marlo Cellars positions as a value-tier California Cabernet that punches above its weight thanks to fruit sourced from three premium North Coast counties. For drinkers seeking Napa and Sonoma character without the single-appellation price tag, it represents solid everyday value.

Why Marlo Cellars Cab?

The multi-county blending strategy is the real story here. By pulling fruit from Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma, the winemaking team can balance ripeness, structure, and aromatics in a way that single-source wines at this price point rarely achieve. Recognition at the 2014 Critics Challenge Wine Competition reinforces the wine's quality credentials. For anyone building a go-to rotation of California reds, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon earns its spot as a dependable, food-friendly bottle that doesn't demand a special occasion to open.