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“815” is an impressive, juicy California Cabernet with ripe dark fruit, savory herbs, hints of clove and vanilla — and it’s priced low enough to be that go-to bottle for a weekend meal or barbecue. Joel Gott named the wine “815” to honor the birthday of his daughter. The wine’s complexity and value are achieved by sourcing 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from great appellations in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake County, Lodi and Paso Robles. The particular climate and soils in each appellation add a unique component such as color, tannin, intensity, or sweetness to the blend. As for winemaking, Gott uses American oak barrels, which infuse the wine with the vanilla notes that can so spice up California Cab. The result is a Cabernet that is complex, plush, well-balanced – and ready to drink. Gott recommends decanting to open up the flavors as well as pairing the wine with casual fare like steak tacos or hamburgers.
Joel Gott Wines is based in the Napa Valley but produces Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and other wines from select vineyards throughout California, Oregon and Washington. The philosophy behind the operation is to blend grapes from a wide range of sources in order to provide complex, balanced and flavorful wines at affordable prices.
Growing up in a family that had been in the Napa Valley wine business for several generations, it was natural that Joel Gott would eventually enter the local trade. But he didn’t follow the usual route by, say, attending UC Davis or by inheriting the family business. While in his twenties, Gott and his brother operated the Palisades Food Market in Calistoga, which they turned into a successful purveyor of prepared gourmet foods. During this time Gott noticed growing demand for quality wines with a low price point. In 1996 Joel Gott and his winemaker girlfriend (soon wife) made an Amador County Zinfandel that received rave reviews. Energized by success, they went on to produce California appellation Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. From the start, they realized they could produce more interesting wines by blending grapes from a variety of sources and appellations instead of trying to make single vineyard wines. Rather than build an expensive winery or purchase a vineyard, they have focused on maintaining excellent relations with growers, purchasing grapes at low prices and using custom crush facilities in order to keep the prices of their wines as low as possible.
Today the wines in Gott’s portfolio include California Zinfandel, California 815 Cabernet, California Sauvignon Blanc, Monterey Chardonnay, and Washington Riesling. In 2005 the 815 California Cabernet Sauvignon won a Food & Wine American Wine Award, and in 2007, the California Zinfandel did as well. As the owner of the popular gourmet hamburger stand, Gott’s Roadside, as well as a partner in Three Thieves Wine, Joel Gott is making his mark as a younger generation Napa Valley entrepreneur. At the same time, Joel Gott Wines continues to grow and receive accolades for delivering a great product at a value price point.
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Appellation(s) | California |
| Winery | Joel Gott |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Color | Red |
| Varietal(s) | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Bottle Size | 7.5 x 31.0 |
| Case Size | 33.0 x 25.0 x 31.5 |
| Alcohol | 13.9% |
| Product Code | JG19CB |
| UPC | 188985000137 |
90 points – James Suckling.
The wine opens with aromas of blackberry and black cherry with hints of clove and vanilla and offers ripe dark fruit flavors on the palate. Velvety tannins and notes of cigar box and toffee linger in a long finish.
The lots from each vineyard are fermented separately in stainless steel and aged 18 months in 25% new American oak before blending and bottling.