Frey Organic Cabernet Sauvignon

Frey Organic Cabernet Sauvignon is a USDA Organic, no-sulfite-added Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendocino County, California, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced by Frey Vineyards — the first certified organic winery in the United States — this wine earned an 87-point rating from Wine Enthusiast critic Jim Gordon on its 2018 vintage and took Gold at the Denver International Wine Competition for the 2017 vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Redwood Valley AVA, Mendocino County, California  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Frey Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Frey Vineyards, a family-owned operation situated at the headwaters of the Russian River in Redwood Valley, pioneered organic winemaking in the United States and became the first U.S. winery to earn Demeter Biodynamic certification in 1996. This Cabernet Sauvignon is fermented in stainless steel tanks using wild, native yeasts — a deliberate choice that allows the vineyard's terroir to express itself without the influence of commercial yeast strains. Crucially, no sulfites are added at any stage, which is the distinction that qualifies the wine for full USDA Organic certification rather than the more common "made with organic grapes" label that permits sulfite additions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberry and black plum before revealing layers of orange zest, chicory, and warm baking spice. A subtle herbal undertone threads through, adding complexity to the fruit-forward aromatics.

Taste: The entry is round and supple, immediately presenting dark cherry and plum fruit across a full-bodied frame. Mid-palate, black pepper and nutmeg emerge alongside blackberry, while firm, grippy tannins provide structure. The mouthfeel is complete and satisfyingly dry despite the generous fruit.

Finish: The finish is smooth and moderately long, trailing dark raspberry, Bing cherry, and a faint whisper of vanilla cream. Cigar-like earthiness and a touch of mint linger alongside the resolving tannins.

How to Drink Frey Cabernet

This Cabernet rewards twenty to thirty minutes of breathing time and drinks well at cool room temperature, around 60–65°F. It holds up neat in a large-bowled glass, though a single ice cube can soften the tannins for those who prefer a lighter grip.

• Classic Cabernet Sangria: The bold fruit and spice notes anchor a red wine sangria without getting lost behind citrus and brandy.
• Red Wine Spritzer: Mixed with sparkling water and a twist of orange, the wine's zest and berry character stay vivid in a lower-alcohol warm-weather pour.
• Mulled Wine: The existing baking spice and plum notes align naturally with cinnamon, clove, and star anise in a heated preparation.

Best For

• Hosting an organic or natural wine tasting at home
• Gifting to a health-conscious wine drinker who avoids added sulfites
• Pairing with a weekend steak dinner for a sulfite-free red option
• Introducing someone to the organic wine category with a recognizable varietal

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Frey Cabernet taste like? It leads with ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum fruit layered over baking spice and black pepper, supported by firm tannins and a smooth, earthy finish. The overall impression is full-bodied and dry with notable fruit depth.

How does Frey Cabernet compare to Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are organic Cabernets from Mendocino County, but Frey carries full USDA Organic certification with no added sulfites, while Bonterra is labeled "made with organic grapes" and does include added sulfites. Frey also relies on wild native yeast fermentation, which tends to produce a more terroir-driven, slightly less polished profile compared to Bonterra's smoother, more conventional style.

Is Frey Cabernet good for sipping neat? Yes — its full body, structured tannins, and layered dark fruit make it a satisfying neat pour, especially after it has had time to open up in the glass for twenty minutes or so.

Where is Frey Cabernet made? Frey Vineyards is located in the Redwood Valley AVA of Mendocino County, California, at the headwaters of the Russian River. The estate has been family-owned and operated since its founding and was the first U.S. winery to achieve both organic and Demeter Biodynamic certification.

What foods pair well with Frey Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak highlights the wine's firm tannins and pepper notes. Braised lamb shanks complement the plum and baking spice character. Aged cheddar mirrors the wine's earthiness. Portobello mushroom burgers echo its savory, herbal undertones. Dark chocolate with 70% cacao or higher matches the berry and vanilla finish.

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

Is Frey Cabernet worth the price? Frey Organic Cabernet Sauvignon sits in the value-to-mid tier for organic California Cabernet, and the no-sulfite-added production and USDA Organic certification add tangible differentiation at its price point. For drinkers specifically seeking a sulfite-free option, it represents strong value given the competition-medal pedigree and consistent critical recognition.

Why Frey Cabernet?

The no-added-sulfites distinction is not a marketing gimmick — it is a strict USDA requirement that very few wineries meet, and Frey was the first in the country to do it. Wild yeast fermentation in stainless steel preserves the Redwood Valley fruit character without oak or commercial yeast masking the vineyard's voice. Multiple competition medals, including Gold at the Denver International Wine Competition and an 87-point Wine Enthusiast rating, confirm that the organic philosophy does not come at the expense of quality. For anyone seeking a full-bodied, legitimately organic Cabernet with a transparent production story, this bottling from America's original organic winery stands on its own merits.