THE STORY
My friend and home winemaker Erin O’Reilly recently dropped off her 2023 Affatim Cabernet Sauvignon for us to try. She was “super excited” because it was awarded a Gold Medal at the Spring 2025 California State Fair Home Wine Competition! We shared it with the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod for a thorough review.
I’ve written about Erin and her wine story before in Decanting Monterey. You can find my previous post here: tèr·ra·ve·nos – Wine Experimentation and Production at Home!
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR HOME WINE COMPETITION
From the link above:
“The California State Fair Home Wine Competition supports and promotes winemaking as a home craft and is designed to increase the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the amateur winemaker. The competition provides an opportunity for these wines to be judged in an organized and professional manner while delivering impartial evaluation feedback, and to recognize the talent of the successful home winemaker.”
THE WINERY
Adapted from her website tèr·ra·ve·nos: Erin has completed the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) program levels 1-3, and just earned her WSET Wine Diploma. In addition, she holds the Spanish Wine Scholar certification, along with the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) credential through the Society of Wine Educators. She has completed the Wine Studies and Wine Marketing Program through Santa Rosa Junior College. And, like me, she is a member of the lively Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society. As Erin says, if you’re local, join us!
THE WINE
Today I’m presenting a single wine from Erin. Winery notes come from Erin directly. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2023 Affatim Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast AVA, 14.2% ABV (#1602) 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot
Winery Notes: “Affatim means sufficient, amply, complete satisfaction. I was pleased with how this wine blend came together…The Cabernet Sauvignon 80% came from San Antonio Valley AVA, the Merlot 20% came from Almaden Valley in Santa Clara County…This is a solid wine, and I enjoyed making it and playing with blends and oak. I love how it all came together.”
My Review: Dark plum and cherry aromas on the nose. Not musty, but not fruity. Chalky on the smooth palate. Mint on the finish. Very drinkable! We enjoyed this wine! April 2025
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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