Lewis Cellars is a Napa Valley producer with a reputation for big, powerful, fruit-forward wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Its Lewis Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 follows that philosophy, delivering ripe dark fruit, substantial richness, generous oak influence, and a plush texture.
About Lewis Cellars
Founded in 1992 by Randy and Debbie Lewis, Lewis Cellars established its reputation by producing intensely flavored, concentrated wines. Randy Lewis had an unusual background for a vintner: he was a professional race-car driver, competing in IndyCar racing before turning his attention to winemaking. His competitive spirit carried over into the winery, where the emphasis became producing bold wines with distinctive personalities.
The winery is particularly associated with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah. A major milestone came in 2016, when Wine Spectator selected the 2013 Lewis Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as its Wine of the Year, placing it first in its annual Top 100.
Today, Lewis Cellars remains associated with an opulent, full-bodied Napa style. Its portfolio includes the regular Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grand Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon, among other bottlings.
An important development in the winery’s history was its 2021 acquisition by Billionaire Stewart Resnick. His The Wonderful Company also owns JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery and the Sonoma County wineries Landmark and Hop Kiln. Resnick also controls Fiji Water, Pom Wonderful, and Teleflora.
Lewis Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
The 2022 Lewis Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon underwent 14 days of skin-contact fermentation and complete malolactic fermentation before barrel aging for 19 months in 100% French oak, 65% of which was new. The varietal composition is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.7% Cabernet Franc, 3.8% Merlot, and 2.5%Â Petite Syrah. The inclusion of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petite Syrah helps explain the wine’s complexity. Cabernet Franc can contribute aromatic lift, Merlot adds roundness, and Petite Syrah reinforces color, concentration, and structure.
The wine pours an opaque garnet in the glass. The mouthwatering nose offers classic aromas of blackberry and cassis. These continue on the plush, opulent palate, joined by oak, cocoa, and sweet spice. Excellent acidity provides freshness and balance, while structured and polished tannins lend backbone to the generous fruit. The long, lingering finish carries both the dark fruit and tannins through to the end. This is an unapologetically big Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, and that’s just fine with me. Some would say this is not a “food friendly” wine. I couldn’t care less. It’s a genuinely satisfying Cabernet. The ABV is 15.5%.
Serve at 60–65°F. Decant for 45 to 60 minutes. Pair with grilled ribeye, roast beef, rack of lamb, or beef short ribs.
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