Klinker Brick Cabernet Sauvignon

Klinker Brick Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi, California, bottled at 15.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2016 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, and multiple vintages have captured Gold Medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the California State Fair.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15.5% (2022 vintage)  |  Origin: Lodi, California  |  100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Klinker Brick Winery

Production & Heritage

Klinker Brick Winery is rooted in Lodi, one of California's oldest winegrowing regions, and draws fruit from some of the area's most historic vineyards—many with vines planted more than a century ago. All estate vineyards are certified sustainable under the LODI RULES program. The winemaking team deliberately harvests earlier than many Lodi producers to avoid overripe, "cooked" fruit character, then relies on thoughtful blending to achieve balance, resulting in a wine that counters the region's reputation for overly jammy reds.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with deep blackberry and blueberry, followed by layers of coffee bean, bittersweet chocolate, and a floral lift of violet. Toasty oak ties the aromatics together without dominating.

Taste: On the palate, ripe mulberry and olallieberry lead the entry, transitioning at mid-palate into grapefruit zest and interlaced paprika. Mocha and star anise add complexity, while huckleberry and dried herbs emerge toward the back palate, all supported by well-integrated oak.

Finish: The finish is long and silky-dry, with lingering notes of orange-vanilla cream, mineral, and dark fruit. The tannin structure is firm but polished, leaving a savory impression that invites another sip.

How to Drink Klinker Brick Cabernet

This Cabernet's concentration and high ABV reward a brief decant of 30 to 45 minutes before serving at cellar temperature. It drinks well on its own but can also anchor bold cocktails and wine-based drinks. A Cabernet Sangria benefits from the wine's dark fruit intensity and spice. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) takes on unexpected depth when built with a wine this structured. For fall entertaining, a warm Mulled Wine showcases the existing chocolate and baking spice notes beautifully.

Best For

• Grilled steak dinners where a bold, high-ABV red can stand up to charred meat
• Gifting a red wine lover who appreciates Lodi's old-vine heritage
• Building a weeknight wine rotation with serious depth at an accessible price tier
• Wine club nights exploring California Cabernet beyond Napa Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Klinker Brick Cabernet taste like? It delivers concentrated blackberry, blueberry, and mulberry flavors layered with bittersweet chocolate, mocha, and paprika spice. The finish is silky-dry with lingering mineral and dark fruit.

How does Klinker Brick Cabernet compare to Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are Lodi-sourced Cabernets, but Klinker Brick typically runs higher in ABV (around 15.5%) and shows more old-vine concentration, while Ironstone tends to be lighter-bodied and more fruit-forward at a slightly lower price point. Klinker Brick's LODI RULES sustainability certification and earlier harvesting approach also distinguish its house style.

Is Klinker Brick Cabernet good for sipping neat? Yes—its full body, layered complexity, and silky tannins make it an excellent wine to drink on its own, especially after a brief decant to let the aromas open fully.

Where is Klinker Brick Cabernet made? Klinker Brick Winery is located in Lodi, California, in the northern San Joaquin Valley, a region known for its Mediterranean climate, deep sandy soils, and some of the oldest producing vineyards in the state.

What foods pair well with Klinker Brick Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak complements its bold tannins and dark fruit. Braised short ribs mirror the wine's richness. Aged cheddar or Gruyère echo its savory, toasty oak notes. Dark chocolate desserts amplify the mocha and bittersweet chocolate character. Lamb chops with rosemary bring out the dried herb undertones.

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

Is Klinker Brick Cabernet worth the price? Klinker Brick Cabernet positions as a value-driven, mid-tier California Cabernet that consistently over-delivers relative to its price point, with multiple Gold Medal wins and Wine Enthusiast scores of 90–91 points across recent vintages.

Why Klinker Brick Cabernet?

In a market saturated with Lodi reds that lean toward overripe jamminess, Klinker Brick's deliberate early-harvest approach produces a Cabernet with genuine structure, complexity, and balance. The fruit comes from sustainably farmed, heritage vineyards—some over a century old—giving the wine a depth that mass-produced Lodi Cabernets rarely achieve. A consistent track record of 90+ scores from Wine Enthusiast and Gold Medals from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition backs up what's in the glass. For drinkers exploring California Cabernet beyond the Napa premium, this bottling makes a compelling case for Lodi's potential.