
Charles Woodson Wine Review - 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
By Brian Weis
This past Sunday, I ran to the grocery story to get my usual eats and treats for my Sunday ritual of all day football watching. Kick off was a few hours away and I was looking forward to my hometown Green Bay Packers playing the Oakland Raiders.
After picking up some specialty meats and cheeses, I decided to make a special stop in the wine section to bring home a nice bottle of red for my wife. She loves her Cabernet's, so I took a quick glance to see what might be on special. I took a serious double take when I saw Charles Woodson wine. Surely, it wasn't the former Green Bay Packer on the label. What was more mind blowing was the $65 price tag. Not all good wines are expensive but expensive wines have to be good.
A few bottles ended up in my cart purely on the fact that he played for the Green and Gold. Not to mention, he also played two stints for the Oakland Raiders. It certainly was fitting the two teams were squaring off in just a few hours.
On the way home, I was still baffled on the correlation between a 18 year old NFL veteran and California wines. After unpacking the groceries, I settled into my office to do a little research. Here is what CharlesWoodsonWines.com had to say:
"Charles Woodson discovered his appreciation for wine in 1998 when he arrived in Napa with the Oakland Raiders for training camp. He was intrigued when he noticed that everywhere he went people were enjoying a bottle of wine. It didn't matter if it was an opulent dinner, low key lunch, or lazy afternoon. He was drawn to the fact that people seemed to slow down and come together over a glass of wine. Being the curious type, he not only wanted to participate in this ritual, he wanted to learn how to create it himself."
"In 2001 Charles, met Rick Ruiz who was working at Robert Mondavi Winery. Rick invited Charles to visit the winery and showed him around the cellar while explaining the winemaking process from start to finish. In that moment, Charles' desire to actually make a wine was launched. The two worked together with another friend - who happened to be acclaimed international winemaker, Gustavo A. Gonzalez - to create the first barrel of Charles Woodson Wines. They produced a 2001 vintage Merlot that was used to support the various charities with which Charles is involved."
So how did it taste?
On the nose,i picked up deep dark berry and big fruit flavors. On the palette, strong notes of vanilla and oak. Overall, powerful tannins and a real nice balance.
The Facts
Winery
Charles Woodson
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon
Region
Calistoga
Regional styles
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Pairing
Beef, Lamb, Mature and Hard Cheese, and Poultry (Or a good day of watching football)
Revised: 01/02/2023 - Article Viewed 1,017 Times
About: Brian Weis
While Brian Weis has made a name for himself in the golf world, he also appreciates the finer things in life—like a world-class spa treatment after a grueling 18 holes (or even after a casual round where the only thing working hard was his golf cart). A self-proclaimed "golfer who enjoys relaxation more than practice," Brian has developed a deep appreciation for massages that unknot his questionable swing mechanics, saunas that sweat out a few too many post-round drinks, and infinity pools with views as stunning as a well-manicured par 3.
Brian’s spa journey began as a reluctant tag-along to couples' massages and resort spa packages but quickly evolved into a full-fledged appreciation for hot stone therapy, deep-tissue recovery, and the occasional seaweed wrap (don’t knock it till you try it). Now, he seeks out the best spa retreats, thermal baths, and relaxation havens wherever his travels take him—whether it's a luxury golf resort with a five-star spa or a hidden wellness gem perfect for unwinding in style.
On SpaTrips.com, Brian shares his experiences, reviews, and insider tips on the best places to soothe sore muscles, indulge in rejuvenating treatments, and find true relaxation—whether you're a hardcore golfer in need of recovery or just someone looking for the ultimate escape. After all, what’s the point of a bucket list golf trip if you can’t top it off with an expert massage, a hot soak, and maybe even a ridiculously plush robe"
Contact Brian Weis:
GolfTrips.com - Publisher and Golf Traveler
262-255-7600