Fabio Viviani Cabernet Sauvignon No. 78

Fabio Viviani Cabernet Sauvignon No. 78 is a full-bodied, French oak-aged California Cabernet Sauvignon from Santa Ynez Valley, bottled at 13.7% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2013 vintage earned 89 points from Tastings.com, and the wine draws distinction from its partial malolactic fermentation, which softens acidity while preserving fruit intensity.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.7%  |  Origin: Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California  |  Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Vintage 78, LLC

Production & Heritage

The No. 78 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Vintage 78, LLC and bears the name of celebrity chef Fabio Viviani. Grapes are sourced from a variety of California vineyards, then vinified and packaged at a facility in Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez wine country. The wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation — a deliberate choice that converts some of the sharper malic acid into softer lactic acid — and is aged in French oak barrels, contributing toasty, vanilla-laced complexity without overwhelming the fruit core.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark cherry and ripe blackberry lead the nose, followed by subtle plum and a layer of toasted oak. Underneath, hints of vanilla and caramelized wood add warmth and depth.

Taste: The palate entry is lush and fruit-forward, with concentrated black currant and dark cherry flavors arriving immediately. At mid-palate, dark chocolate and vanilla emerge alongside a rich, coating mouthfeel. Ripe, well-integrated tannins provide structure without harshness, while focused acidity keeps the wine balanced and energetic.

Finish: Long and structured, with lingering notes of oak spice, dark fruit, and a subtle cocoa undertone. The tannins carry through cleanly, tapering gradually into a warm, satisfying close.

How to Drink No. 78 Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 20–30 minutes of breathing time to open up the oak and fruit layers. A Classic Red Sangria benefits from its dark fruit richness and balanced tannins. A Cabernet Reduction Sauce — technically a culinary application rather than a cocktail — lets the wine's chocolate and cherry character shine alongside grilled meats, fitting given the chef-driven brand. For a wine-based cocktail, a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well here, as the wine's full body and oak backbone hold up against the sweetness.

Best For

• Pairing with a home-cooked Italian dinner featuring braised meats or rich pasta
• Gifting to food-and-wine enthusiasts who appreciate chef-curated selections
• A weekend dinner table red that rewards a few minutes of decanting
• Building a casual California Cabernet tasting lineup

Frequently Asked Questions

What does No. 78 Cabernet taste like? It delivers concentrated dark cherry, blackberry, and plum fruit supported by dark chocolate, vanilla, and caramelized oak flavors. The mouthfeel is full and lush, with ripe tannins and a long, structured finish.

How does No. 78 Cabernet compare to other Santa Ynez Valley Cabernets? Santa Ynez Valley is better known for cooler-climate varieties like Pinot Noir and Rhône grapes, making a full-bodied, oak-aged Cabernet Sauvignon from this appellation less common. No. 78 sources from multiple California vineyards and blends that fruit in Santa Ynez, resulting in a richer, more fruit-driven style than many single-vineyard Santa Ynez reds.

Is No. 78 Cabernet good for sipping neat? Yes — its balanced tannins, focused acidity, and layered oak and fruit make it a satisfying glass on its own, especially after a brief decant to let the aromas open fully.

Where is No. 78 Cabernet made? The wine is produced by Vintage 78, LLC in Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley, using grapes sourced from various California vineyards. Vinification and packaging take place at a facility within Santa Ynez wine country.

What foods pair well with No. 78 Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's dark fruit and oak tannins. Braised short ribs echo its rich, savory depth. Hard aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano mirror the wine's structure. Dark chocolate desserts harmonize with the cocoa and vanilla finish. Roasted lamb with rosemary stands up well to the wine's full body.

What sizes does No. 78 Cabernet come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is No. 78 Cabernet worth the price? Positioned as an accessible, everyday California Cabernet Sauvignon, it delivers generous oak treatment, ripe fruit concentration, and a polished finish that competes comfortably within its value tier. The 89-point score from Tastings.com supports its quality-to-price ratio.

Why No. 78 Cabernet?

What separates this wine from the crowded California Cabernet field is its partial malolactic fermentation — a winemaking decision that rounds out acidity and creates a noticeably smoother, more approachable texture without sacrificing structure. French oak aging adds genuine complexity rather than mere wood flavor, layering vanilla and toast beneath the dark fruit. The 89-point recognition from Tastings.com confirms that the wine delivers measurable quality. For drinkers who want a full-bodied, food-friendly Cabernet that doesn't demand years of cellaring, No. 78 fills that role with real substance.