Charles Krug Cabernet
Napa's oldest winery, pouring Cabernet since 1861
The story behind Charles Krug
Charles Krug founded this estate in 1861, which makes it the oldest operating commercial winery in Napa Valley. The Mondavi family bought it in 1943, and it has stayed in their hands since, run today by grandsons Peter Mondavi Jr. and Marc Mondavi. Under Peter Mondavi Sr. the house helped pioneer cold fermentation in California and was among the first in Napa to age wine in French oak.
The Cabernet comes off roughly 850 acres of sustainably farmed family estate vineyards across the valley, Yountville among them. The estate bottlings are structured Bordeaux style blends, with small shares of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc filling out the Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in a mix of new and seasoned French oak.
Explore the Charles Krug range
Four Charles Krug bottlings we carry, from the everyday white to the estate Cabernet. Stock moves fast, so call ahead on anything marked out.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL | Cabernet Sauvignon | About 14.1% to 14.7% ABV | Black cherry, cocoa, baking spice; decant 30 to 60 minutes |
| Charles Krug Merlot 750mL | Merlot | About 14% ABV | Plum and soft tannin, French oak aging |
| Charles Krug Chardonnay 750mL | Chardonnay | About 13.5% ABV | Cold fermented, orchard fruit, gentle oak |
| Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc 750mL | Sauvignon Blanc | About 13.5% ABV | Citrus and cut grass, crisp finish |
| Charles Krug Estate Cabernet (reserve tier) | Cabernet blend | About 14.5% to 15.1% ABV | Denser fruit, new French oak, cellar worthy |
Which Charles Krug is right for you?
The Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL runs $36.99 on our shelf, which sits right in the $30 to $42 tier the estate Cabernet is known for. That is fair money for Napa Cabernet with real barrel time behind it. The Merlot is $19.99 and the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are $15.99 each, both currently out of stock, so ask us to hold a bottle when the next drop lands. Buy Charles Krug online or walk in and we will pull it for you.
Enough structure for a grilled ribeye without a special occasion price.
Oldest commercial winery in the valley, Mondavi family since 1943.
Softer tannin and a lower price when Cabernet feels like too much.