The 2022 Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-balanced California red wine sourced from vineyards along the southern hills of the Central Coast. The Wente family farms approximately 400 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon using two clones originating from California wine pioneer Charles Wetmore's 19th-century Bordeaux cuttings. The vineyards feature well-drained rocky soils and unique microclimates ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon of distinct character, depth, and intensity.

The wine opens with vibrant notes of blackberries, cassis, and black cherry, complemented by subtle oak flavors of cocoa and a touch of fresh-baked gingerbread. Aged for twelve months in a mix of French, American, and neutral oak barrels along with stainless steel tanks, the wine is polished and approachable for immediate enjoyment yet structured enough to age gracefully over three to five years. The wine was fermented separately in stainless steel with pneumatage twice daily to maximize aroma and texture extraction. At 13.5% alcohol by volume, this sustainable wine pairs beautifully with grilled New York steaks, thick winter stews, cheeseburgers, and red-sauced pasta dishes like lasagna.