Clay Creek Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Winery Background and History

Clay Creek Vineyards is a family-owned winery under the Delicato Family Wines umbrella, established in 1924 by Sicilian immigrant Gaspare Indelicato. Located in Manteca, California, the winery emphasizes sustainable farming practices and produces wines that reflect California’s diverse terroirs. Clay Creek focuses on delivering approachable, fruit-forward wines that showcase the unique characteristics of their vineyard sources.

Producer and Winemaker

Delicato Family Wines oversees the production of Clay Creek wines, with a dedicated team committed to sustainable viticulture and innovative winemaking techniques. The winemaking process emphasizes the expression of varietal character and regional attributes, aiming to produce wines that are both accessible and reflective of California’s winegrowing regions.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The 2023 Clay Creek Cabernet Sauvignon sources grapes from premium vineyards in Lodi, California. Lodi’s Mediterranean-like climate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, along with its sandy soils, contributes to the development of grapes with intense color and rich, concentrated flavors. These conditions are ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in wines with depth and complexity.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The grapes underwent fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve their fresh fruit character. Post-fermentation, the wine was aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, imparting subtle notes of vanilla and spice. This approach balances the wine’s vibrant fruit flavors with a touch of oak complexity, resulting in a well-rounded and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting notes

The 2023 Clay Creek Cabernet Sauvignon presents a deep ruby hue. On the nose, it offers aromas of peppercorn, blackberry, and black cherry, mingling with subtle nuances of violet and charred oak. The palate is dominated by intense flavors of dark fruits, black currant, clove, and spice. This dark and dense wine boasts a bold tannin structure leading to a generous finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its robust structure and rich flavors complement grilled or roasted meats such as lamb chops, steak, or venison. The wine’s bold profile also pairs well with hearty mushroom dishes and aged cheeses. For vegetarian options, consider dishes with roasted vegetables or lentil-based stews.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate the nuances of this Cabernet Sauvignon, serve it slightly below room temperature, at a temperature between 16–18°C (61–64°F). Use red wine glasses with a large bowl to allow the aromas to develop. Decanting the wine for 30 minutes prior to serving can help enhance its aromatic profile and soften the tannins. Proper serving enhances the wine’s complexity, allowing its layers of fruit, oak, and spice to shine through with elegance and balance.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2023 Clay Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted for immediate enjoyment but also possesses the structure to age gracefully over the next 2–3 years. Stored under optimal conditions—cool, dark, and with consistent temperature and humidity—the wine will maintain its freshness and may develop additional complexity, showcasing subtle tertiary notes.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

• 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%

Scores