Amici Olema Cabernet Sauvignon

Amici Olema Cabernet Sauvignon is a multi-vineyard Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon from Amici Cellars, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Drawing fruit from several distinguished sub-appellations—including Dry Creek Valley, Moon Mountain, and Sonoma Mountain—this blend earned 89 points from Wine Review Online (2023 vintage, scored by Norm Roby) and has collected silver medals at both the TEXSOM International Wine Awards and the Los Angeles International Wine Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Sonoma County, California  |  Style: Multi-Vineyard Red Blend  |  Producer: Amici Cellars

Production & Heritage

Amici Cellars produces the Olema line as a distinct label focused on sourcing hand-selected grapes from premier Sonoma County vineyards. The 2023 vintage is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Malbec, while earlier releases such as the 2022 incorporated Petite Sirah and Merlot alongside Malbec. This multi-vineyard, multi-appellation strategy—pulling from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Moon Mountain, and Sonoma Mountain—allows the winemaking team to blend for balance and complexity rather than relying on a single site, giving each vintage a layered, expressive character that reflects the breadth of Sonoma County terroir.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberry and dark cherry, moving into baking spice, black pepper, and a thread of Madagascar vanilla. Deeper notes of cedar box and dark chocolate emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is generous and fruit-driven, with blackberry and cassis meeting a lush mid-palate texture. Full-bodied tannins are countered by bright, lifting acidity, while baker's chocolate, wild berry, and Herbes de Provence weave through the middle and peak of the palate. A subtle almond and lingonberry note adds unexpected dimension.

Finish: Silky and velvety in texture, the finish lingers with dark fruit, a touch of licorice, black olive, and earthy undertones. It holds its shape well, trailing off gradually with integrated tannins and a clean fruit core.

How to Drink Olema Cabernet Sauvignon

This Cabernet shows its full aromatic range when served at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass. Decanting for 30 minutes helps soften the full-bodied tannins and opens up the spice and chocolate layers. For cocktails and wine-based drinks, its bold fruit and structure make it a strong candidate for a classic Cabernet Sangria with blackberries and orange, a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) where its dark-fruit intensity stands up to the mixer, or a New York Sour where the wine float benefits from the Cab's deep color and berry richness.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want Sonoma County quality without a Napa Valley price tag
• Gifting to a red wine enthusiast who appreciates California Cabernet blends
• Steak nights and backyard grilling with friends
• Building a mixed case of approachable, food-friendly California reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Olema Cabernet Sauvignon taste like? It delivers bold blackberry, cassis, and baker's chocolate flavors supported by full-bodied yet silky tannins and bright acidity. Baking spice, cedar, and a hint of Herbes de Provence add savory complexity through the long finish.

How does Olema Cabernet compare to the main Amici Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon? Olema is Amici Cellars' value-tier label, sourcing from multiple Sonoma County sub-appellations rather than the single-vineyard or Napa Valley fruit used in Amici's flagship Cabernet. The result is a more approachable, fruit-forward wine at a lower price point, while the Amici label tends toward greater concentration and longer aging potential.

Is Olema Cabernet good for sipping on its own? Yes—its balance of ripe fruit, structured tannins, and vibrant acidity makes it satisfying neat, especially after a brief decant to let the aromatics fully open.

Where is Olema Cabernet Sauvignon made? It is produced by Amici Cellars in Sonoma County, California, using grapes sourced from vineyards across Dry Creek Valley, Moon Mountain, Sonoma Mountain, and Alexander Valley.

What foods pair well with Olema Cabernet Sauvignon? Grilled ribeye steak matches its full body and dark fruit; herb-crusted lamb chops echo the wine's Herbes de Provence notes; aged cheddar complements its tannic structure; braised short ribs mirror its richness; and dark chocolate desserts pick up the baker's chocolate thread in the finish.

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

Is Olema Cabernet Sauvignon worth the price? Olema positions as a value-tier Sonoma County Cabernet, delivering multi-vineyard complexity and critical scores around 89 points at a price well below most single-appellation Sonoma or Napa Cabernets, making it one of the stronger values in California Cabernet.

Why Olema Cabernet Sauvignon?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of California Cabernets is its multi-appellation sourcing strategy. By blending fruit from Dry Creek Valley, Moon Mountain, and Sonoma Mountain—each contributing different soil types, elevations, and microclimates—the Amici winemaking team achieves a layered complexity that single-source value Cabernets rarely deliver. The addition of Malbec (and in some vintages, Petite Sirah and Merlot) deepens the mid-palate and adds floral and textural nuance. With consistent critical recognition in the 89-point range and a track record of silver medals at respected competitions, Olema Cabernet earns its reputation as one of the more compelling everyday Sonoma County reds.