2023 Cloud Break Cabernet Sauvignon

the winery O'Neill Vintners & Distillers

Cloud Break is a label of O'Neill Vintners & Distillers, one of the largest and most respected wineries in California. Founded in 2004, the company has become a fixture in the American wine world. Under the leadership of winemaker Mark Rasmussen, the house focuses on crafting modern wines with pure fruit expression and a refined balance between power and elegance.

O'Neill works with grapes from their own vineyards and from established growers who meet strict quality standards. By combining traditional winemaking with modern vinification techniques, they produce wines year after year that are reliable, fruity, and full of character. Cloud Break is one of their most recognizable lines, prized for its smooth style and consistent quality.

the California wine region

California is the cradle of American viticulture, accounting for nearly ninety percent of the country's total production. The state boasts a wide variety of climates, from the warm valleys of the south to the cooler coastal regions of the north. The influence of the Pacific Ocean brings cooling winds and mist that help the grapes ripen slowly. This balance of sunshine and freshness makes California wines rich in fruit yet vibrant in character.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely planted grape varieties here. It thrives in the state's sandy and chalky soils, resulting in wines with abundant color, structure, and black fruit aromas. The Cloud Break Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is a prime example, combining ripe fruit notes with refined tannins and an accessible style.

the Cabernet Sauvignon grape

This wine is made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon. This grape variety is known for its intense color, firm structure, and aromas of cassis, cherries, and plums. In California, the grape reveals its full potential. The warm days bring out a ripe flavor, while the cool nights preserve the fresh acidity. This results in a wine that is both full-bodied and vibrant.

With this wine, Cloud Break aims to showcase the classic qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon, but with a modern Californian twist. The result is a wine that's full-bodied yet soft on the finish. Ideal for those who appreciate fruit, balance, and elegance.

vinification and maturation

The vinification of the Cloud Break Cabernet Sauvignon is carried out with great attention to detail. Fermentation takes place at a low temperature to optimally preserve the fruity aromas. Selected yeasts are used for this process, enhancing the grape's natural character. After fermentation, the wine is aged partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in French oak barrels. This gives the wine structure and complexity, without the oak being overpowering.

The balance between stainless steel and oak gives the wine its distinctive style. The fruit remains pure and vibrant, while the oak adds roundness and a hint of vanilla on the finish. This approach makes Cloud Break Cabernet Sauvignon an accessible yet characterful wine that appeals to many.

tasting note – color, aroma and taste

The 2023 Cloud Break Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby red color with purple hues. The nose opens with aromas of dark cherry, cassis, and plum. After a few seconds, nuances of white pepper, vanilla, and a hint of cedar emerge. The whole is inviting and elegant.

On the palate, the wine displays a full flavor with medium tannins and a refined structure. The balance between ripe fruit and a light spiciness creates a harmonious experience. The finish is soft and rounded, with notes of ripe berries and a subtle hint of oak. The wine is excellent to drink now but can still develop beautifully for several years.

style and character of cloud break

The name Cloud Break evokes the moment when sunlight breaks through the clouds and everything appears in clear perspective. That sense of freshness and balance is reflected in the wine. The Cloud Break Cabernet Sauvignon is a modern interpretation of the classic grape. It is powerful yet remains supple. Rich in fruit, yet never heavy. This makes it suitable for both lovers of full-bodied wines and those seeking finesse.

Under Mark Rasmussen's leadership, Cloud Break has become a recognizable brand within the new generation of California wines. The focus is on accessibility and purity. The 2023 edition confirms that success with a flavor profile that is balanced, expressive, and pleasantly drinkable.

serving tips and storage advice

Serve this wine at a temperature of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. A brief aeration will help the aromas fully develop. The wine is perfectly drinkable now and will retain its freshness for the next three years. Its soft structure and supple tannins make it versatile, pairing it with both meat dishes and hearty pasta dishes.

Would you like to order Cloud Break wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

wine and food pairings

The 2023 Cloud Break Cabernet Sauvignon combines ripe fruit with spicy notes, making it a perfect match for many dishes. Here are some suggestions:

• Grilled ribeye with herb butter – the fat and juiciness of the meat soften the tannins and emphasise the fruity side of the wine.
• Beef stew with red wine and carrot – the savoury flavours complement the spicy structure of the wine perfectly.
• Pasta all'arrabbiata – the slight spiciness of the sauce provides a nice contrast to the round finish.
• Duck breast with black cherry compote – the sweet and sour character of the sauce enhances the aromas of cherry and blackcurrant.
• Mature hard cheeses such as Comté or aged cheddar – the salty intensity of the cheese brings extra depth to the wine.
• Rack of lamb with rosemary – the spiciness of the dish complements the spicy notes of the wine perfectly.