Materra Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2010

Materra Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2010 is a full-bodied 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley's Oak Knoll District in a standard 750ml bottle. Produced by the Cunat Family Vineyards under the guidance of consulting winemakers Bruce Regalia and Michael Trujillo, this 2010 vintage showcases over a decade of bottle age on a rich, chocolaty expression from one of Napa's cooler sub-appellations.

Quick Facts: Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Origin: Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2010  |  Producer: Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Materra is the estate label of the Cunat Family Vineyards, situated in the Oak Knoll District — a sub-appellation in the southern portion of Napa Valley known for its cooler maritime influence and deep alluvial soils. The winemaking team of Bruce Regalia and Michael Trujillo drew on estate-grown fruit from the family's Oak Knoll vineyard as well as Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from select Napa Valley sites. With over thirteen years since its vintage date, this 2010 release has had extensive time to evolve in bottle, softening its tannin structure and integrating fruit and oak components in ways that younger wines cannot replicate.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark chocolate and ripe blueberry lead the nose, followed by layers of baked berry and a subtle earthiness. With time in the glass, deeper notes of dried fruit and cocoa emerge.

Taste: The entry is saturated with blueberry syrup and dark chocolate, filling the mid-palate with concentrated, almost-sweet fruit flavors. The body is full yet balanced, with firm but resolved tannins that speak to the wine's age and careful extraction. Freshness persists throughout, preventing the richness from becoming heavy.

Finish: Lingering dark chocolate and ripe berry flavors carry through a medium-to-long finish. The tannins are melted and relaxed, leaving a smooth, satisfying close with a bright, clean tail.

How to Drink Materra 2010

With over a decade of age, this Cabernet is best served at cellar temperature (60–65°F) in a large-bowled glass to let its evolved aromatics open fully. Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes is recommended to wake up the wine's layered complexity. While this is primarily a sipping wine, it pairs beautifully with braised short ribs, herb-crusted lamb, or aged hard cheeses where the wine's chocolate and dark fruit notes can complement rich, savory dishes.

Best For

• Cellared wine drinkers seeking a ready-to-drink aged Napa Cabernet
• A memorable dinner wine alongside grilled red meats or braised dishes
• Gifting to a Napa Valley wine enthusiast who values library vintages
• Comparing older Napa vintages in a guided tasting with friends

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Materra 2010 taste like? Materra 2010 is a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon dominated by dark chocolate, blueberry syrup, and ripe berry flavors with relaxed, melted tannins and a fresh, balanced finish.

How does Materra 2010 compare to Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon? Both wines hail from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, sharing a cooler-climate profile relative to up-valley appellations like Oakville or Rutherford. Materra tends toward a more chocolaty, deeply saturated fruit style, while Trefethen — one of the district's longest-established producers — is often noted for its structured elegance and herbal complexity.

Is Materra 2010 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — with over a decade of bottle age, the tannins have softened considerably, making it an approachable and rewarding wine to enjoy on its own with minimal decanting.

Where is Materra 2010 made? Materra is produced by the Cunat Family Vineyards in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, California. The Oak Knoll District sits in the cooler southern end of the valley, benefiting from San Pablo Bay breezes that moderate daytime temperatures.

What foods pair well with Materra 2010? Braised short ribs complement the wine's dark chocolate depth; herb-crusted rack of lamb mirrors its full body; aged Gouda or Gruyère echo its richness; mushroom risotto highlights its earthy undertones; and dark-chocolate-based desserts create a natural bridge to the wine's cocoa-driven finish.

What sizes does Materra 2010 come in? The Materra Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2010 is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Materra 2010 worth the price? Materra positions as a mid-tier Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2010 vintage carries the added value of extended bottle aging that would otherwise require years of personal cellar storage. For drinkers seeking a mature Napa Cab without the premium attached to the valley's most famous estate labels, it represents a compelling value.

Why Materra 2010?

Finding a properly aged Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at more than a decade old is increasingly uncommon outside of top-tier allocations. The 2010 Materra delivers the hallmarks of bottle maturity — resolved tannins, integrated oak, and layered dark fruit — from a respected sub-appellation rather than a mass-market blend. The Oak Knoll District's cooler microclimate contributes a natural freshness and acidity that has helped this wine age gracefully. For anyone who appreciates what time does to good Cabernet, this is a genuine library-aged Napa red produced under the direction of two experienced winemakers with deep Napa Valley roots.