Oak Farm Tievoli Cabernet Sauvignon

Oak Farm Tievoli Cabernet Sauvignon is a Cabernet-dominant red blend from Lodi, California, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Awarded 90 points by Wine Enthusiast and a Gold medal at the 2023 New York International Wine Competition, this expression showcases what careful blending and restrained oak aging can achieve in the warm Lodi appellation.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Lodi, California  |  Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petite Sirah, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot  |  Winery: Oak Farm Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Oak Farm Vineyards operates out of Lodi, one of California's most prolific and increasingly respected winegrowing regions. The Tievoli Cabernet Sauvignon begins with hand-picked grapes harvested in the cool morning hours, then gently hand-sorted and de-stemmed before undergoing a 2-day cold soak in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks — a technique that extracts color and fruit character while minimizing harsh tannin extraction. Fermentation takes place in tank with regular pump overs, followed by 14 months of aging in approximately 14% new French oak, a deliberately low proportion that lets fruit and structure lead rather than wood influence. The supporting cast of Petite Sirah (16%), Petit Verdot (4%), and Merlot (3%) adds depth, color intensity, and mid-palate roundness that straight Cabernet from Lodi does not always deliver on its own.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep garnet in the glass, the nose opens with black currant and blueberry before shifting into cedar and dried floral tones. Underneath, subtle notes of black pepper, vanilla, and a hint of bell pepper add aromatic complexity.

Taste: The palate enters full-bodied and rich, with concentrated flavors of red plum, cassis, and black raspberry meeting a mid-palate wave of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla buttercream. A thread of orange zest and salted dark chocolate keeps the richness from becoming one-dimensional.

Finish: The finish is long and layered, with abundant textured tannins that remain smooth and velvety. A lingering kick of black pepper and bittersweet chocolate closes things out cleanly.

How to Drink Tievoli Cabernet

This wine shows best at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 20–30 minutes of breathing time, whether decanted or simply opened and left to sit. A Classic Cabernet & Steak pairing is the most direct route to enjoying it — the tannin structure and dark fruit stand up to charred, fatty cuts. In a Sangria Negra, the Tievoli's ripe berry core and spice notes add real backbone without requiring much added sugar. It also works surprisingly well in a Mulled Wine during cooler months, where the existing cinnamon and dark chocolate character amplifies the warming spice profile.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled red meats or hearty pasta
• Gifting a Cabernet lover who appreciates Lodi's emerging reputation
• Building a mid-range California red collection with award-winning bottles
• Hosting a blind tasting of Cabernet-dominant blends from different California AVAs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tievoli Cabernet taste like? It delivers rich, concentrated dark fruit — black currant, cassis, black raspberry — layered with dark chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla, finishing with smooth, velvety tannins and black pepper spice.

How does Tievoli Cabernet compare to other Lodi Cabernets? Many Lodi Cabernets lean heavily on ripe, jammy fruit at similar price points, while the Tievoli's 2-day cold soak, restrained 14% new oak program, and four-grape blend produce a more structured, layered wine that earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Is Tievoli Cabernet good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the full body, integrated tannins, and complex aromatics make it a rewarding stand-alone pour, especially with 20–30 minutes of air.

Where is Tievoli Cabernet made? It is produced by Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi, California, a warm-climate AVA in the Central Valley known for producing ripe, fruit-forward red wines.

What foods pair well with Tievoli Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak matches the wine's tannic structure; braised short ribs echo its dark fruit depth; aged cheddar complements the cedar and vanilla notes; dark chocolate desserts mirror the bittersweet chocolate finish; and lamb chops with rosemary play well against the wine's herbal and peppery undertones.

What sizes does Tievoli Cabernet come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Tievoli Cabernet worth the price? It positions as a mid-range California Cabernet blend, and the 90-point Wine Enthusiast score plus multiple competition medals suggest strong value relative to other wines in its tier.

Why Tievoli Cabernet?

The Tievoli stands apart from many Lodi reds through its disciplined production: a 2-day cold soak for color and fruit extraction without excess tannin, a deliberately low 14% new French oak ratio that avoids the over-oaked profile common at this price level, and a thoughtfully constructed four-grape blend that adds dimension beyond what a single-varietal Lodi Cabernet typically provides. Its 90-point Wine Enthusiast rating and Gold medal at the 2023 New York International Wine Competition validate the approach. For drinkers who want California Cabernet richness with genuine structure and complexity, rather than simple fruit bombs, this bottle earns serious consideration.