Chateau Julien Wine Estate

Bob and Patty Brower founded Chateau Julien in 1982. Although the impressive winery and tasting room are in Carmel Valley, most of the estate vineyards are in the San Antonio Valley AVA in southern Monterey County. (As is the case with most wines made from San Antonio Valley grapes, Chateau Julien’s wines are labeled with the broader – and better known – Monterey County designation.)

Although San Antonio Valley still experiences some coastal influences, its southern location – far from Monterey Bay – is considerably warmer than most other parts of the county, so it’s suitable for wines like this Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine displays bright black cherry and cassis flavors with a slight herbal note. The balance is excellent, and there’s sufficient structure to stand up to hearty foods, yet the wine isn’t too heavy. As the name suggests, this Cabernet is aged in French and American oak for 18 months, but the barrels are 1 and 2 years old, so there’s no overt oaky flavor. And at just $10, this wine is a great value.

Reviewed October 23, 2007 by Laurie Daniel.