4 a6 bottle level         $30 (member price $27)
98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot.  14.1% ABV

You heard about Jim Milone (winemaker) with the BonAnno Chardonnay.  His boss is Matt BonAnno, the gentleman who founded BonAnno in 2004.  Matt is the business development / salesman for the winery.  The fruit for this Cab Sauv comes from a few vineyards along Route 128 in Northern Alexander Valley.  As I mentioned with their Chard, they keep their expenses low, and put most of the money into the fruit, so they’re able to produce high quality wines from prestigious regions for modest prices.  10 months French oak barrels (25% new).  Blackberry, boysenberry, candied jalapeño, cinnamon, vanilla, whiff bell pepper.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
You can’t go wrong with other hearty pairings like juicy ribeye steaks with caramelized Brussels sprouts topped with bacon and blue cheese; Tallegio stuffed ravioli with sage brown butter; crispy veal over farro drizzled with black truffle vinaigrette; crispy lamb croquettes with a garlicky dipping sauce; seared New York strip with a balsamic peppercorn reduction and arugula and tomato salad; garlic stuffed leg of lamb with mint pesto couscous; and beef tenderloin with a mustardy glaze. This ripe cabernet is equally delightful with concentrated cheeses like sharp cheddar, aged Gouda, Reblochon and Le Moulis. For an unexpected pairing, try a glass with a blackberry torte layered with lemon sable or a pistachio sponge cake drizzled with a blackberry reduction.