Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L

Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L is a full-bodied California Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 13% ABV in a generous 1.5-liter magnum format. This value-driven red has earned a Critics Gold medal at the Critics Challenge Wine Competition and scored 90 points from James Suckling, establishing itself as a standout in the everyday Cabernet category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: HRM Rex-Goliath, Modesto, CA

Production & Heritage

HRM Rex-Goliath Winery takes its name from His Royal Majesty Rex Goliath, a 47-pound rooster once billed as the "World's Largest Rooster" and the star attraction of a turn-of-the-20th-century Texas circus. The label itself replicates the vintage artwork from the circus banner that originally hung above Rex's roost. This California Cabernet Sauvignon carries technical specs of 5.5 g/L total acidity, a pH of 3.50, and 8.5 g/L residual sugar — the slight sweetness rounding out the wine's bold fruit character and making it broadly approachable.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark and intense in the glass, the nose opens with ripe blackberry and sweet plum before revealing layers of cedar, mocha, and a thread of pepper spice. There is a subtle oak presence that frames the fruit without overpowering it.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, led by blackberry and dark plum. At mid-palate, raspberry and currant weave in alongside mocha undertones, while firm tannins provide structure. The overall impression is smooth and robust, with enough weight to feel genuinely full-bodied.

Finish: The finish is lengthy and persistent, with lingering dark fruit and a dusting of pepper spice. Tannins remain present through the close, keeping the wine grounded rather than overly soft.

How to Drink Rex Goliath Cabernet

Served at cool room temperature — around 60–65°F — the wine shows its best balance of fruit and structure. The 1.5L format makes it a natural choice for casual gatherings where pouring multiple glasses is the point.

• Red Wine Sangria: The bold fruit and slight residual sugar form an ideal base for sangria with sliced stone fruit and citrus.
• Kalimotxo: This Basque-inspired cola-and-red-wine cocktail benefits from a Cabernet with enough dark fruit intensity to stand up to the mixer.
• Mulled Wine: The plum and blackberry core pairs naturally with warm spices like cinnamon, clove, and star anise.

Best For

• Hosting backyard barbecues or large dinner parties where volume matters
• Stocking a weeknight wine rotation without sacrificing flavor
• Introducing red wine newcomers to Cabernet Sauvignon's bold profile
• Batch cocktails and sangria for seasonal entertaining

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rex Goliath Cabernet taste like? It delivers juicy blackberry and sweet plum up front, layered with mocha, currant, and a touch of cedar oak, finishing with firm tannins and persistent dark fruit.

How does Rex Goliath Cabernet compare to Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon? Both compete in the value California Cabernet segment, but Rex Goliath tends to show bolder fruit intensity and firmer tannic structure. In head-to-head supermarket Cabernet comparisons, Rex Goliath has finished just ahead of Barefoot for overall flavor depth.

Is Rex Goliath Cabernet good for beginners? Yes — the ripe fruit sweetness and smooth tannins make it approachable for drinkers new to Cabernet Sauvignon, while the full body and dark fruit layers keep it interesting for more experienced palates.

Where is Rex Goliath Cabernet made? Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by HRM Rex-Goliath Winery in Modesto, California, sourcing grapes from California vineyards.

What foods pair well with Rex Goliath Cabernet? Grilled burgers and steaks complement the wine's bold tannins and dark fruit. Slow-smoked barbecue ribs echo the mocha and pepper spice notes. Aged cheddar or Gouda match its weight and richness. Hearty pasta with red sauce works well with the plum and berry core. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine's mocha undertones.

What sizes does Rex Goliath Cabernet come in? Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle and the 1.5L magnum format reviewed here.

Is Rex Goliath Cabernet worth the price? Rex Goliath positions as an entry-level California Cabernet, and the 1.5L format delivers strong per-glass value. A 90-point James Suckling score and Critics Gold medal are uncommon at this price tier, making it one of the more decorated options in the budget Cabernet category.

Why Rex Goliath Cabernet?

Scoring 90 points from James Suckling and earning Critics Gold at the Critics Challenge Wine Competition puts Rex Goliath in rare company among value-priced California Cabernets. The wine's combination of genuinely bold fruit, firm tannin structure, and a persistent finish sets it apart from competitors that often lean too soft or one-dimensional at this level. The 1.5L magnum format doubles down on that value proposition, making it practical for gatherings without requiring multiple bottles. For drinkers who want a full-bodied, dark-fruited Cabernet Sauvignon that punches above its weight class, this is one of the most reliable options on the shelf.