Charles Smith Substance Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant before serving.

Self-taught winemaker Charles Smith grew up in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just outside Sacramento. Bitten by the travel bug, he spent his early career managing rock bands including the famous Danish group The Ravonettes. While living in Denmark and Scandinavia and touring all over Europe, he developed a passion for fine wine that would eventually drive him to open his very own winery.

In 2001 Smith made his first batch of just 300 cases of Washington State wines. Since then he’s been named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine magazine, Wine Enthusiast, and Seattle Magazine. This easy-going red is a great example of the Charles Smith style with plenty of fruitiness, a rich full body and real depth of flavour.

On the nose there are intense notes of blackberry, dark plum and baking spice while the first sip reveals smooth tannins, a well-built structure and a pure, clean finish with subtle notes of vanilla and liquorice. This light-hearted red is great to enjoy on its own, alongside a generous platter of charcuterie and cheeses, or paired with your favourite pizza and pasta dishes for a casual family dinner.