The Stag Cabernet Sauvignon

The Stag Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California, bottled at 13.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by the historic St. Huberts winery under Treasury Wine Estates, the 2022 vintage earned 88 points from Wine Enthusiast, reinforcing its reputation as a reliably well-made California Cab at an accessible price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: Paso Robles, California  |  100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: St. Huberts (Treasury Wine Estates)

Production & Heritage

St. Huberts was originally established in Australia's Yarra Valley, but The Stag range sources its fruit from California's Paso Robles region, known for warm days, cool nights, and calcareous soils that suit Cabernet Sauvignon particularly well. Grapes are crushed and fermented over seven to ten days in stainless steel tanks with gentle pump-overs performed three times daily to extract color and flavor without harsh tannins. After fermentation, the winemaking team splits the wine: a portion enters American oak barrels while the freshest, most aromatic lots remain in stainless steel to preserve their delicate fruit character. The lots age separately for approximately ten months before being blended just prior to bottling — a technique that balances oak richness with bright fruit purity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Perfumed brambleberry and wild raspberry greet the nose first, followed by layers of dark cherry, red currant, and a lift of white pepper. Beneath the fruit sit warm baking spice notes — allspice, cedar, and a whisper of clove.

Taste: The entry is plush and fruit-forward, led by macerated red berries and plum. At mid-palate, cherry compote and boysenberry expand alongside sweet tea leaf, cinnamon, and a thread of vanilla from oak aging. Tannins are velvety and well-integrated, giving the wine a smooth, medium-bodied texture without excessive grip.

Finish: The finish runs moderately long with lingering notes of pencil shavings, dried herbs, and a faint coffee undertone. A clean acidity keeps the close fresh rather than heavy.

How to Drink The Stag Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at a light cellar temperature around 60–65°F, poured neat into a standard Bordeaux glass to let the aromatics open. It also works comfortably in red wine cocktails: a Cabernet Sangria benefits from its ripe berry core and spice complexity; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) plays off the wine's dark fruit and vanilla tones for a casual warm-weather serve; and a classic Mulled Wine preparation amplifies its existing cinnamon and allspice character beautifully during colder months.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want a reliable, fruit-driven California Cab without overthinking it
• Backyard grilling sessions alongside burgers, ribs, or smoked sausages
• Gifting a casual wine drinker who gravitates toward approachable reds
• Stocking a house-wine rotation with consistent vintage-to-vintage quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Stag Cabernet taste like? The Stag Cabernet Sauvignon leads with ripe brambleberry, dark cherry, and plum, layered with baking spice notes of allspice, cinnamon, and cedar. Velvety tannins and a plush texture make it smooth and easy to drink.

How does The Stag Cabernet compare to Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are widely available California Cabernet Sauvignons positioned in a similar value tier, but The Stag sources specifically from Paso Robles and uses a split stainless-steel-and-oak aging approach that tends to preserve brighter fruit aromatics. Josh Cellars Cabernet draws from a broader range of California appellations and generally leans into a softer, rounder oak profile.

Is The Stag Cabernet good for sipping neat? Yes — its velvety tannin structure and balanced acidity make it a comfortable neat pour, especially when served slightly below room temperature around 60–65°F to highlight its fruit and spice layers.

Where is The Stag Cabernet made? The Stag Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by St. Huberts, a winery operating under Treasury Wine Estates, using fruit sourced from Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County on California's Central Coast.

What foods pair well with The Stag Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak matches its dark fruit and peppery spice. Braised short ribs complement the wine's plush tannins and cherry compote flavors. Aged cheddar or Gruyère echo its oak-driven warmth. Lamb burgers with rosemary play well against the herbal finish. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the coffee and spice undertones on the close.

What sizes does The Stag Cabernet come in? The Stag Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is The Stag Cabernet worth the price? The Stag positions as an entry-level to mid-range California Cabernet Sauvignon, and its 88-point Wine Enthusiast score for the 2022 vintage suggests solid quality within that value tier. For everyday drinking and casual entertaining, it delivers more aromatic complexity than many peers at a comparable price point.

Why The Stag Cabernet?

What separates The Stag from the crowded field of California Cabernets in this price range is its dual-aging strategy — splitting lots between American oak and stainless steel, then blending just before bottling. That technique preserves the bright, perfumed berry aromatics that oak-heavy wines in this category often lose. The 88-point nod from Wine Enthusiast on the 2022 vintage confirms it punches above its weight class. For drinkers who want Paso Robles fruit character without tannic muscle or inflated pricing, The Stag fills that gap with consistency and polish.