Experience something truly different with this exceptional limited edition from Winexpert’s premium Private Reserve range. Crafted from a rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah grown in California’s renowned Lodi region, this full-bodied red has been gently infused with whisky-seasoned oak during production.

The result is a bold, complex wine bursting with ripe blackberry, black cherry and plum flavours, supported by rich tannins and layers of sweet vanilla, toasted oak and warming spice. The whisky oak contributes depth and character without overpowering the fruit, producing a smooth, elegant finish that will appeal to lovers of premium Californian reds.

Ready in around 8–9 weeks, this kit produces approximately 23 litres (30 x 750ml bottles) of outstanding wine with an alcohol content of around 14% ABV.

Produce 30 bottles (23 litres) of premium wine at home using Winexpert’s ultra concentrated varietal juices and expert formulation. With patience and care, your homemade wine will rival commercial bottles worth £20–£30.

Key Features

• Region: Lodi, California, USA
• Grape Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel & Syrah
• Style: Dry
• Body: Full
• Oak: Heavy (oak chips & cubes)
• ABV: Approximately 14%
• Ready in: Around 8–9 weeks
• Makes: 23 litres (approximately 30 bottles)

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, toasted oak and sweet spice.
• Palate: Dark berry fruit, plum and blackcurrant layered with hints of pepper, caramel, vanilla and gentle whisky oak.
• Finish: Long, smooth and warming with integrated tannins and lingering oak spice.

Food Pairing

Perfect with:

• Grilled ribeye steak
• Slow-cooked beef brisket
• Barbecue ribs
• Venison
• Mature Cheddar or Gouda

For customers looking for something a little different, this is likely to become one of Winexpert’s most talked-about Limited Releases. It offers the richness of a premium Californian red with the subtle complexity that only whisky-seasoned oak can provide, making it ideal for drinking now or cellaring for several years.

About Winexpert Private Reserve Wine Kits

Winexpert Private Reserve is the ultimate choice for home winemakers who demand the very best. These kits combine outstanding quality, expert blending, and world-class ingredients to produce wines with incredible depth, aroma, and structure.

Each kit contains ultra-concentrated grape juice and varietal must sourced from leading wine regions such as Australia, California, Bordeaux, and Tuscany. Every element is carefully balanced to create wines that taste rich, smooth, and true to style.

Because of this attention to detail, each 14-litre kit produces around 30 bottles of ultra-premium wine. You can enjoy it young, but it will also develop beautifully with age.

Whether you prefer a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, or a smooth Amarone, the Winexpert Private Reserve range offers an exceptional winemaking experience from the first ferment to the final pour.

What Equipment Do You Need?

To make this wine, you’ll need basic 5 gallon (23L) winemaking equipment, including a fermenter, bung, airlock, and sanitiser. If you’re just starting out, you can find everything you need in the Starter Kits section of our website.

Winemaking Tips

For crystal-clear, professional results, we recommend using a Vinbrite filter before bottling. Also, try to let your wine mature for a few months after bottling — the flavour and smoothness will improve dramatically with a little patience.