Van Ruiten Family Vineyards Cab-Shiraz 2012

The practice of blending more than one variety of wine has been practiced in Europe for centuries and is the basis for our Cab-Shiraz. This full-bodied, yet very approachable blend is loaded with flavors of blackberries, cherries, and plums; with a lengthy finish and just a hint of oak.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Shiraz. Van Ruiten Family Vineyards (legally "Van Ruiten Family Winery") is located midway between the Sierra Foothills and San Francisco Bay Delta, in the Lodi apellation. Their vineyards profit from the ideal delta-influenced climate (cool afternoon breeze) producing ripe, fully flavored Zinfandels that Lodi is now famous for. For over 50 years, the grapes grown in their vineyards were harvested and shipped to other wineries every summer. The family wanted to branch out into winemaking, so in 1999 the first varieties of their wines went into production. Among the most memorable and lasting first wines was a Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz blend (still one of the family's most popular today), along with the now-famous Old Vine Zinfandel and the exceptional Chardonnay which are served daily at their Tasting Room. "As a family we explore new opportunities, nurture those that can make a difference, and pass along knowledge gained from one generation to the next."