Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon

Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon is a California Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 13.8% ABV in a 750ml format, sourced from multiple appellations and aged in French oak. The 2021 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, and the 2019 vintage received 92 points and a Gold medal at the 2021 Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.8%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Share A Splash Wine Co.

Production & Heritage

Share A Splash Wine Co., based in Healdsburg, California, produces Cannonball by drawing fruit from a wide swath of the state — Sonoma County, Mendocino, Lake County, San Benito, Monterey, and the Central Coast. This multi-region sourcing strategy allows the winemaking team to blend lots for consistency and complexity across vintages. Fermentation involves twice-daily pump-overs to extract color and tannin, followed by 14 to 20 months of oak maturation using a specific program: 45% new oak split between 80% French medium-plus toast and 20% American medium toast barrels. The result is a fruit-forward Cabernet with structured oak influence that punches above its price tier.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Concentrated blackberry and mulberry lead the nose, layered with clove, violet, and a flinty mineral undertone. Vanilla and caramel emerge as the wine opens, reflecting its time in new French oak.

Taste: The entry is plush with boysenberry and black cherry fruit. Mid-palate, dried black plum and black pepper weave through dark chocolate and sweet cigar notes. The structure is medium to full-bodied with moderate tannins and a streak of crisp acidity that keeps the fruit from feeling heavy.

Finish: Supple and dry, with lingering toasted oak and a return of dark berry fruit. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a clean, moderately long close.

How to Drink Cannonball Cab

This Cabernet drinks well at a slight cool — around 60–65°F — and benefits from 15 to 20 minutes of breathing in the glass. It stands confidently on its own but also works in wine-forward cocktails. A Cabernet Sangria built with seasonal dark fruits and a cinnamon stick plays well with the wine's spice profile. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) turns Cannonball's fruit-driven character into a refreshing warm-weather drink. For a modern twist, a New York Sour — bourbon, lemon, simple syrup, floated with this Cab — gains richer color and berry depth from its dark fruit concentration.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want a serious Cab without the serious price tag
• Stocking a home wine collection with a reliable, crowd-pleasing red
• Bringing a bottle to a backyard barbecue or casual dinner party
• Introducing someone to California Cabernet Sauvignon without overwhelming their palate

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cannonball Cab taste like? Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon is fruit-driven and medium to full-bodied, with dominant flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and dark chocolate supported by moderate tannins and toasted oak.

How does Cannonball Cab compare to other value California Cabernets? Cannonball consistently appears on lists of the best Cabernet Sauvignon under $20 and has earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast (2021 vintage), placing it among the higher-scoring options in the value California Cab category. Its 18-month oak program with 45% new French barrels is more ambitious than many wines at a similar price point.

Is Cannonball Cab good for sipping on its own? Yes — its balance of ripe fruit, moderate tannins, and crisp acidity makes it approachable enough to enjoy by the glass without food, though it also pairs naturally with a meal.

Where is Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon made? Cannonball is produced by Share A Splash Wine Co. in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California, using grapes sourced from vineyards across Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake County, San Benito, Monterey, and the Central Coast.

What foods pair well with Cannonball Cab? Grilled ribeye steak highlights the wine's dark fruit and oak structure. Braised short ribs echo its plum and chocolate notes. Aged cheddar or Gouda complement the moderate tannins. Lamb burgers with rosemary match its savory spice, and dark chocolate desserts mirror the finish.

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

Is Cannonball Cab worth the price? Cannonball positions as a strong value-tier California Cabernet, delivering oak-aged complexity and multi-regional blending at a price point well below most 90-point competitors — making it one of the more compelling everyday reds in the category.

Why Cannonball Cab?

What separates Cannonball from the crowded field of affordable California Cabernets is the seriousness of its production. An 18-month aging regime using 45% new oak — split between French and American barrels at specific toast levels — is the kind of detail usually found in wines costing significantly more. The multi-appellation sourcing from six distinct California regions gives the winemaking team flexibility to build a consistent, complex blend vintage after vintage. A 90-point score from Wine Enthusiast and 92 points with Gold at the Sommelier Challenge back up what the glass confirms: this is a Cabernet that delivers well beyond its weight class.