Pavette Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

When I was going through my notes looking for a standout Cabernet Sauvignon for this feature, it was Pavette that stood out. Produced by Baron Ziegler, this is a bargain-level Cabernet Sauvignon that punches way above its weight class. It makes sense because Baron used to produce standouts Banshee and Rickshaw before selling those to Bill Foley in 2018. 

What is striking about this wine is the attention to detail given its price. Produced from grapes grown in the Monterey AVA, the fermentation is made with whole berries, then aged in a combination of older barrels, large oak tanks, and stainless steel. This gives the wine a punchy black currant and black raspberry nose, kissed with notes of caramel, espresso coffee beans, and dark mint chocolate. It’s soft and approachable, perfect for anything you plan to throw on the grill next weekend—or anytime, really. Try it with fajitas, hamburgers, or wood-fired pizza.