Cursive Cabernet Sauvignon

Cursive Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from California bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The Cursive Signature line earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast for its 2019 North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, with reviewer Jim Gordon citing "nicely layered black fruits, tobacco and olive flavors" and describing the wine as "well-balanced, complex and reasonably concentrated."

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: California, United States  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Cursive (private-label brand)

Production & Heritage

Cursive operates as a private-label wine brand that partners with established California wineries to produce its lineup. The specific winery, winemaker, and vineyard sources behind Cursive are not publicly disclosed, which is standard practice for private-label programs. The brand focuses on fruit-forward, consistent winemaking at accessible price points, sourcing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from California's broader appellation, with the Signature tier drawing from the more specific North Coast region.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark cherry and blackcurrant lead the nose, followed by subtle oak, tobacco smoke, and hints of saddle leather. A thread of incense and black pepper emerges as the wine opens up in the glass.

Taste: The palate enters with ripe blackberry and plum, building through a medium to full body with gentle, integrated tannins. Mid-palate layers of stewed cherry, olive, and black pepper add dimension without overwhelming the core fruit character. The wine stays balanced, never lurching toward excessive extraction or sweetness.

Finish: Smooth and moderately lingering, with dark fruit and a faint tobacco edge carrying through to the close. The tannin structure remains soft, leaving a clean, slightly peppery impression.

How to Drink Cursive Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at cool room temperature — around 60–65°F — without decanting, though 20–30 minutes of air will soften any initial tightness. A Classic Red Sangria benefits from the wine's ripe dark fruit and soft tannins, which hold up against citrus and brandy. A Cabernet Reduction for steak or lamb chops makes good use of the wine's plummy concentration. For a simple wine cocktail, a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) works surprisingly well here, with the blackberry notes pairing naturally with the cola's spice.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled red meat or pasta
• Stocking a house wine that maintains batch-to-batch consistency
• Introducing Cabernet Sauvignon to newer wine drinkers
• Casual gatherings and backyard barbecues where easy-drinking reds are welcome

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cursive Cabernet taste like? Cursive Cabernet Sauvignon delivers ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and plum flavors with supporting notes of tobacco, olive, and black pepper. It is medium to full-bodied with soft tannins and a smooth, fruit-driven finish.

How does Cursive Cabernet compare to Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are widely available California Cabernet Sauvignons positioned at a similar everyday price tier, emphasizing approachable fruit and soft tannins. Cursive tends to lean slightly more into dark cherry and tobacco character, while Josh Cellars is often described as rounder with more vanilla oak influence.

Is Cursive Cabernet good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannin structure, fruit-forward profile, and balanced acidity make it a welcoming introduction to California Cabernet Sauvignon without the tannic grip that can challenge newer wine drinkers.

Where is Cursive Cabernet made? Cursive Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in California, United States, sourcing grapes from the state's broader appellation. The Signature tier specifies North Coast as its growing region, though the exact winery and vineyard sources are not publicly disclosed.

What foods pair well with Cursive Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's dark fruit and soft tannins. Braised short ribs echo the plummy richness of the palate. Hard aged cheeses like aged cheddar or Manchego match its moderate tannin structure. Roasted lamb with rosemary highlights the wine's peppery and herbal undertones. Dark chocolate with 60–70% cacao mirrors its black cherry finish.

What sizes does Cursive Cabernet come in? Cursive Cabernet Sauvignon is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Cursive Cabernet worth the price? Cursive Cabernet Sauvignon positions squarely in the value tier of California Cabernet, competing with other everyday house wines. The 90-point Wine Enthusiast score for the Signature expression suggests the brand can punch above its price class, particularly at that tier.

Why Cursive Cabernet?

The 90-point Wine Enthusiast rating for the 2019 Signature North Coast bottling signals that this private-label program sources competent fruit and applies careful winemaking, not just marketing. In a crowded field of sub-$15 California Cabernets, scoring at that level places Cursive alongside bottles from named estates charging more. The wine's consistency — a hallmark of private-label production backed by established winery partnerships — means each bottle delivers a predictable, reliably fruit-forward experience. For drinkers who value straightforward dark-fruit character without heavy oak or aggressive tannins, Cursive fills that role cleanly.