Foxglove Cabernet Sauvignon

Foxglove Cabernet Sauvignon is a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon blend in a 750ml bottle, typically bottled between 13.2% and 14.3% ABV depending on vintage. Recognized by the New York Times as one of the best wines under $20, this Central Coast red has earned consistent praise from Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media, who called the Foxglove lineup "some of the most delicious, budget-friendly wines readers will come across."

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13.4% (varies by vintage)  |  Origin: Paso Robles, Central Coast, California  |  Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc (2021)  |  Producer: Varner Wine

Production & Heritage

Foxglove is produced by Varner Wine, a family operation rooted in the Santa Cruz Mountains that expanded to source fruit from Paso Robles for this value-driven label. The grapes are 100% de-stemmed and pressed at dryness, with malolactic fermentation completed after pressing. What truly distinguishes Foxglove from most Cabernet Sauvignons in its price range is the decision to age in steel rather than oak and bottle early — a non-interventionist approach that foregrounds aromatic freshness and pure fruit character rather than relying on barrel-derived vanilla or toast. The 2013 vintage earned 90 points from William Kelley at Decanter, while the 2018 scored 89 points from Vinous.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark, lush aromas of blackberry and black currant rise first, followed by savory layers of cedar and tobacco. A subtle earthy quality adds depth beneath the fruit.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with super-ripe dark cherry and plum dominating the initial impression. Mid-palate, notes of bittersweet chocolate and cracked black pepper emerge alongside licorice. Silky tannins provide structure without astringency, giving the wine a smooth, approachable weight.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length with lingering cedar, dark fruit, and a peppery spice that gently fades. The absence of heavy oak influence keeps the close clean and refreshing.

How to Drink Foxglove Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with no decanting required, though 20 minutes of air opens the aromatics further. Its fruit-forward, low-oak profile also makes it a surprisingly versatile wine for red wine cocktails and casual mixed drinks. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works here because the wine's dark fruit and spice stand up to the sweetness. A classic Red Wine Spritzer benefits from Foxglove's juicy berry character and moderate tannins. And in a Sangria, the blackberry and plum notes form a natural backbone that complements citrus and stone fruit additions.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where quality matters but budget does too
• Stocking a home wine rack with a reliable everyday Cabernet
• Introducing red wine newcomers to Paso Robles Cabernet
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a casual dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Foxglove Cabernet taste like? Foxglove Cabernet Sauvignon is fruit-driven with dominant black currant, dark cherry, and plum flavors supported by cedar, tobacco, and black pepper. Silky tannins and minimal oak influence give it a smooth, juicy character uncommon at its price point.

How does Foxglove Cabernet compare to J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are popular Paso Robles Cabernets in the value tier, but they take different stylistic approaches. J. Lohr Seven Oaks sees significant American oak aging for vanilla and toast notes, while Foxglove is aged in steel and bottled early, resulting in a more fruit-forward and aromatic wine with less oak influence.

Is Foxglove Cabernet good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, approachable fruit character, and friendly price point make it an excellent entry into Cabernet Sauvignon. The absence of heavy oak or tannic grip means it will not overwhelm palates new to full-bodied reds.

Where is Foxglove Cabernet made? Foxglove Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Varner Wine using fruit sourced from Paso Robles in California's Central Coast, a region known for warm days, cool nights, and well-drained soils that suit Bordeaux varieties.

What foods pair well with Foxglove Cabernet? Grilled burgers or meatloaf match the wine's ripe dark fruit and peppery spice. Beef tacos with salsa work with the juicy acidity. Aged cheddar echoes the cedar and earthy notes. Roasted portobello mushrooms complement the wine's savory undertones. Dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao mirrors the bittersweet chocolate mid-palate.

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

Is Foxglove Cabernet worth the price? Foxglove positions squarely as a value-tier Cabernet Sauvignon, and critical reception suggests it consistently punches above its weight. A New York Times nod as one of the best wines under $20 and ongoing praise from Vinous confirm it delivers uncommon quality for its category.

Why Foxglove Cabernet?

The decision to skip oak aging entirely is a bold one for a California Cabernet, and it defines what makes Foxglove worth attention. Where most wines in this price range lean on barrel character to add complexity, Varner Wine trusts the Paso Robles fruit to carry the wine on its own — and the results bear that out with a purity of flavor that reviewers like Antonio Galloni have repeatedly highlighted. The blend of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc adds just enough structural complexity to keep things interesting beyond the first glass. For anyone who wants a Cabernet that tastes like the vineyard rather than the cooperage, Foxglove is one of the most compelling options at its price.