Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon – Bold Fusion of Wine & Whiskey Tradition

Updated → October 2025

92% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak then bourbon barrels, creating layers of vanilla, caramel, and cherry tobacco alongside dark fruit. Available at Valley Wine & Liquor in Herkimer, NY for $17-20.

The Bourbon Barrel Wine Revolution

When Napa Valley winemaking expertise meets Kentucky bourbon culture, the result transforms the American wine landscape. Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon represents the pinnacle of this fusion – a 92% Cabernet Sauvignon that spends its final months in heavily charred American oak bourbon barrels. The category has exploded from $800,000 to over $120 million in annual sales since 2015, reflecting America's evolving wine preferences.

This distinctive wine emerges with layers of vanilla, caramel, and cherry tobacco alongside classic dark fruit intensity. Available at Valley Wine & Liquor in Herkimer, New York, this wine bridges the gap between traditional winemaking and contemporary American palate preferences, offering confident complexity at an accessible $17-20 price point. The "Cigar" designation signals a wine purposefully crafted for bold foods, hearty occasions, and those who appreciate the intersection of fine wine and premium spirits.

The Cosentino Winery Legacy

Founded in 1980 by self-taught winemaker Mitch Cosentino, this Napa Valley producer has consistently pushed boundaries while respecting tradition. Cosentino made history in 1989 by creating "The Poet," America's first designated and licensed Meritage wine, establishing a Bordeaux-inspired standard that revolutionized American winemaking. Starting in Modesto at age 30, Cosentino moved operations to Napa's Oakville region in 1990, establishing the iconic ivy-covered winery at 7415 Saint Helena Highway.

Over 40 years, the winery has produced more than 30 limited-production wines from over 15 varietals, earning recognition at White House dinners and golf tournaments for Heads of State. While the brand changed hands through various acquisitions, Cosentino's innovative spirit endures through wines like the Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon.

Understanding the Cigar Series

The Cigar wine line embodies Cosentino's pioneering approach to winemaking. The name directly references the tobacco and cedar-box aromatics present in these wines, positioning them as the perfect companion for steak dinners, BBQs, or casual evenings. With eye-catching packaging and bold flavor profiles, the Cigar series includes both an Old Vine Zinfandel from Lodi and this Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from coastal California regions.

These wines exude what Cosentino calls "confidence and elegance" while maintaining approachability. This philosophy is rooted in Mitch's belief that wine should be enjoyed and shared, not exclusive to one palate or price point. Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies this balance between sophistication and accessibility.

Revolutionary Dual-Aging Process

What distinguishes Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon from competitors is its sophisticated dual-aging approach. The wine begins with 12 months in traditional French oak barrels, developing structure, tannin integration, and classic Cabernet characteristics. Only after this foundation is established does the wine transfer to heavily charred American oak bourbon barrels for an additional 4-5 months.

This extended bourbon barrel contact significantly exceeds the 2-3 months typical in this category. The approach is possible because Cosentino starts with quality fruit from multiple premium California regions: 50% from Hames Valley, 25% from Monterey County, and 5% from Alexander Valley. The blend showcases complexity with 92% Cabernet Sauvignon providing the backbone, 4% Petite Sirah adding color and grip, 3% Petit Verdot contributing floral notes, and 1% Syrah bringing spice.

The Science of Bourbon Barrels

The bourbon barrels themselves are crucial to the wine's character. U.S. law requires bourbon to age in new, charred American oak barrels used only once for bourbon production. After aging bourbon for 4-6 years, these barrels become available to winemakers at a fraction of new barrel costs. These barrels feature #3 or #4 char levels, created by 35 to 55+ seconds of intense flame at 500-600°F.

This heavy charring creates a quarter-inch deep char layer that acts as both flavor source and natural filtration. The process breaks down hemicellulose into caramelized wood sugars, releases vanillin from lignin breakdown, and significantly softens harsh tannins. Residual bourbon absorbed into the wood adds whiskey-like characteristics that complement rather than overwhelm the wine's fruit character in Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon.

Complete Tasting Profile

Pour the Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon and the deep, nearly opaque garnet color signals its intensity. The nose immediately delivers blackberry jam, black cherry, brown sugar, coffee, and smoke, interwoven with signature vanilla crème and caramel notes from the bourbon barrels. Secondary aromas of toast, cocoa, and distinctive cherry tobacco emerge as the wine opens.

On the palate, this full-bodied wine presents dense, jammy dark fruit flavors anchored by silky tannins. The bourbon barrel influence manifests as layers of vanilla, butterscotch, and toasted oak, while the char contributes coffee and mocha depth. Despite 2.25 grams per liter residual sugar, the wine maintains balance with a hint of sweetness that rounds out the long, warm finish marked by lingering tobacco notes and toasty vanilla.

Critics have awarded the wine 89-90 points, with the 2016 vintage earning a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Reviewers consistently praise how the bourbon notes blend seamlessly with the fruit rather than dominating the wine's character.

Ultimate Food Pairing Guide

This wine demands equally bold food companions. The high tannin content in Cabernet requires fat to soften astringency, while the bourbon barrel's char and smoke notes create natural harmony with grilled, charred, and smoked preparations. Grilled ribeye, coffee-rubbed steak, braised beef short ribs, and smoked brisket represent ideal pairings with Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon.

BBQ becomes a natural match, particularly styles with sweet-savory sauces that complement the wine's caramel and vanilla notes. Burgers and sliders work beautifully for casual occasions, while braised pork with egg pasta offers European pairing directions. For game lovers, venison and wild meats provide the richness to stand up to this powerful wine.

Cheese pairings should emphasize aged, semi-hard varieties: smoked gouda, aged cheddar, and raclette all provide sufficient fat and flavor intensity. Fresh mozzarella and young Camembert offer creaminess that softens the tannins. Avoid blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort, which clash with Cabernet's structure.

Professional Serving Recommendations

Temperature significantly impacts this wine's expression. Serve Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon at 57-60°F (13-16°C), cooler than room temperature but warmer than standard refrigeration. Modern room temperature allows alcohol to dominate. If stored at room temperature, refrigerate for 30-60 minutes before serving.

Decanting is strongly recommended for 30-60 minutes, allowing the wine to breathe and softening assertive aromas from the bourbon barrel influence. Young, bold wines like this can benefit from up to two hours of air exposure. Pour slowly into a decanter, maximizing air contact to promote development.

Use a large-bowled Bordeaux glass specifically designed for full-bodied red wines. The wide bowl provides oxygen contact and concentrates aromatics, while the tapered rim funnels aromas toward the nose. Pour 3-4 ounces initially, allowing ample room for swirling to release the wine's complex bouquet.

Explosive Market Growth

The bourbon barrel wine category has grown from essentially nothing to 20 million bottles annually, generating over $120 million in sales by 2024. If bourbon barrel-aged wines were considered their own varietal, they would rank 14th among still wines, larger than the Zinfandel and Syrah categories combined.

Nearly every major American wine brand now offers a bourbon barrel-aged expression. Robert Mondavi Private Selection exploded from zero to 1.4 million cases between 2016 and 2018. Josh Cellars Reserve earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast. Cooper & Thief positioned itself as a premium spirits-crossover brand. This growth reflects converging trends: the American bourbon boom, younger consumers seeking bold experiences, and the economics of barrel reuse.

Competitive Landscape Analysis

In a field of 60+ bourbon barrel-aged wine brands, Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon differentiates through several factors. While most competitors age wine for 2-3 months in bourbon barrels, Cosentino's 4-5 month contact creates deeper integration. The wine first spends 12 months in French oak, maintaining classic Cabernet structure before introducing bourbon influence.

Most bourbon barrel wines use Zinfandel, which naturally leans sweeter and jammier. Cosentino's choice of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon creates a drier, more structured wine that appeals to serious wine drinkers. Critics consistently note it tastes like a wine rather than a wine beverage, high praise in a category sometimes dismissed as gimmicky.

The price positioning at $17-20 retail places Cosentino between budget options like Robert Mondavi Private Selection ($11-14) and premium offerings like Cooper & Thief ($24-30). This mid-premium positioning reflects both quality and value, particularly given the extended aging protocol and multi-region California sourcing.

Valley Wine & Liquor Details

Find Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon at Valley Wine & Liquor, located at 326 South Caroline Street in Herkimer, New York 13350. Operating for more than five years, the store positions itself as Herkimer County's fastest-growing wine and liquor destination with a unique 40-Mile Price Match Guarantee.

Store hours accommodate various schedules: Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Delivery service is available during slightly shorter windows. Contact the store at (315) 867-5800 or email valleywineorders@gmail.com for product availability and ordering.

Valley Wine & Liquor emphasizes a large selection of brand name liquors and hand-selected wines from around the world, curated by what they call the friendliest staff in town. The store also offers a unique bourbon barrel selection program twice yearly, allowing customers to hand-select specific bourbon barrels for custom bottling.

Making Your Purchase Decision

Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon succeeds because it's made by an established winery with deep expertise, not a trend-chasing brand. Cosentino's 40+ years of winemaking credibility means this bourbon barrel expression represents thoughtful innovation rather than gimmick.

For bourbon and whiskey enthusiasts curious about wine, this offers familiar flavors in a wine context. For Cabernet lovers seeking something different, it provides complexity and conversation while staying true to varietal character. For hosts planning steak dinners, BBQs, or cigar evenings, it delivers boldness that complements rather than competes with robust foods.

At $17-20, this represents exceptional value in the bourbon barrel category with longer aging than most competitors, premium California sourcing, established winery pedigree, and award-winning execution. Whether discovering it at Valley Wine & Liquor or encountering it at wine shops nationwide, this wine rewards both casual enjoyment and serious contemplation.

Storage and Cellaring Tips

Store Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon in a cool, dark place at 55-60°F with 60-70% humidity. Keep bottles on their side to maintain cork moisture. While drinkable upon release, this wine can develop additional complexity over 3-5 years when properly cellared.

The bourbon barrel influence will integrate further with time, though the vanilla and caramel notes may soften. The fruit character will evolve from fresh dark berries to more dried fruit and leather notes. Monitor older bottles carefully, as the bourbon barrel aging can accelerate maturation compared to traditionally aged Cabernets.

Wine and Cigar Pairing

The "Cigar" designation in Cosentino Cigar Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon isn't merely marketing. Bourbon and wine both feature prominent oak, char, vanilla, and caramel notes that complement premium cigars' earth, cedar, leather, and spice characteristics.

For cigar aficionados, pair this wine with full-bodied Nicaraguan Maduros or selections like Ashton VSG. Alternate between small sips (3-4 ounces, whiskey-style pours) and puffs rather than simultaneous consumption for optimal enjoyment. The wine's tobacco notes create natural harmony with quality cigars, while the bourbon barrel char echoes the cigar's toasted qualities.