As the air starts to feel just a bit cooler (and the reality of a long dark winter ahead without the Sox starts to sink in), thoughts turn to big red wines.  This week’s Quaff of the Week honors belong to Gargiulo Vineyards‘ exquisite 2008 Money Road Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon.  First, some background on Oakville-based Gargiulo.  I first stumbled onto this boutique winery a few years back on a trip through Napa.  (Take a right at the Oakville Grocers and head down the road.)  At the time, all tastings (which are private and require reservations) were held outside the family’s home on a beautiful patio overlooking the vineyards and Screaming Eagle Winery in the distance.  Since then, Gargiulo has built a large tasting room where guests can retreat indoors in the event of bad weather.

Abutting the Screaming Eagle property, but with even more of a challenging growing terrain, Gargiulo is aiming to create wines that fall into that same “cult classic” category. Gargiulo produces their wines in small quantities, which makes this beauty of a Cab even more special (only 982 cases).  The winery describes the wine as “characterized by aromas of dark berries, black cherry, slate, mocha and even tobacco. The palate is rich and complex with seamlessly integrated layers of brooding dark fruit and refined tannins. The finish is lengthy and the aging potential is 20+ years.”  (Yeah, like that’s ever going to happen in my house!)  This is a splurge wine: about $80 a bottle, but absolutely delicious.

I’ve seen Gargiulo wines in the past at Gordon’s in Waltham.  Wines can also be purchased online; if you’re willing to pay a bit more, Gargiulo can figure out how to ship to Massachusetts.  My absolutely favorite Gargiulo is the Aprile Super Oakville Blend, their interpretation of a classic super Tuscan.  If you ever see a bottle of that, grab it.  I promise you won’t be disappointed.