Cakebread Family 2023 "Bezel" Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2023 Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon by the Cakebread Family has received strong praise from major wine critics, cementing its place as a standout value-driven release from California's Central Coast. James Suckling awarded the vintage 91 points, describing it as a "juicy and fruit-forward" wine overflowing with "California charisma", highlighted by aromas of blackcurrants, tobacco leaves, and wild blackberries that lead to a plush, chocolatey finish. The Tasting Panel awarded it 92 points, noting its "lush and generous" presentation with seamless layers of dark chocolate and sun-drenched blackberries. Furthermore, Vinous Media (Eric Guido) rated the wine 90 points, highlighting its sweetly floral nose laced with violet and lavender pastille, alongside its soothingly round textures on the palate and a core of ultra-ripe red berry fruits balanced by crunchy tannins. Wine reviewer Wilfred Wong of Wine.com also gave the bottle 92 points, praising its deep ruby color, inviting kitchen-cabinet spice aromas, and engaging, layered flavors of blackberry and toasted oak. Across the board, critics celebrate this Paso Robles expression for successfully channeling the Cakebread family’s decades of winemaking expertise into a highly accessible, structurally sophisticated, and deeply expressive everyday luxury.