Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon – California's Heritage Vineyard Expression

Updated → August 2025

Discover Noble Vines 337, a tribute to California's pioneering Cabernet Sauvignon clone, offering rich berry flavors, velvety tannins, and exceptional value from Lodi's historic vineyards.

The Heritage Behind Noble Vines 337

The story of Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon begins not in a boardroom or marketing department, but in the sun-drenched vineyards of California where pioneering viticulturists shaped the future of American winemaking. The Noble Vines collection pays homage to the specific vine stocks that transformed California into one of the world's premier wine regions, with each bottle bearing the numerical designation of its heritage clone.

Clone 337 holds particular significance in California's viticultural history. Originally sourced from Bordeaux's most prestigious estates, this specific Cabernet Sauvignon clone was carefully selected for its ability to produce wines of exceptional depth and complexity while adapting beautifully to California's diverse microclimates. The number 337 isn't just a label designation—it represents decades of careful observation, selection, and propagation by university researchers and grape growers who recognized something special in these particular vines.

What makes Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon particularly intriguing is how it bridges the gap between Old World tradition and New World innovation. The winemakers behind this expression understand that great wine starts in the vineyard, and by focusing on a single, historically significant clone, they're able to showcase the pure expression of what made California Cabernet famous worldwide.

Understanding Clone 337's Significance

In the world of viticulture, clones represent the building blocks of wine quality and character. Clone 337 emerged from meticulous selection processes at UC Davis, where researchers identified vines that consistently produced small berries with intense flavor concentration. This particular clone became prized for its ability to maintain balanced acidity even in warm climates, a crucial characteristic for producing age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon.

The small berry size of Clone 337 vines results in an optimal skin-to-juice ratio, which translates directly into the glass as concentrated color, robust tannin structure, and complex flavor development. Unlike some clones that prioritize yield over quality, 337 naturally limits its production, forcing the vine to channel all its energy into fewer, more flavorful clusters. This inherent quality control at the genetic level means that Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon consistently delivers intensity and complexity typically associated with much more expensive bottles.

The adaptability of Clone 337 to various soil types and microclimates has made it a favorite among California growers seeking to produce premium Cabernet Sauvignon. Its thick skins provide natural protection against various vineyard challenges while contributing to the wine's ability to age gracefully. This resilience in the vineyard translates to consistency in the bottle, ensuring that each vintage of Noble Vines 337 maintains the quality standards that have made this clone legendary among winemakers.

Lodi's Unique Terroir Advantage

While Napa Valley often steals the spotlight in California Cabernet conversations, Lodi's emergence as a premium wine region represents one of the most exciting developments in American viticulture. The Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Lodi showcases why this region deserves recognition alongside California's more famous appellations.

Lodi's Mediterranean climate creates ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon cultivation. The region experiences warm, dry days that ensure optimal ripeness, while cool Delta breezes sweep through the vineyards each evening, preserving the natural acidity that gives the wine its food-friendly balance. This diurnal temperature variation—the difference between day and night temperatures—allows the grapes to develop complex flavors while maintaining the freshness that distinguishes great Cabernet from merely good.

The soil composition in Lodi varies from sandy loam to clay, with many vineyards featuring the well-draining soils that Cabernet Sauvignon vines prefer. These diverse soil types contribute different characteristics to the finished wine, from the elegance imparted by sandy soils to the power and structure that clay-based vineyards provide. The old vine heritage of many Lodi vineyards adds another dimension, as mature vines with deep root systems can access water and nutrients that younger plantings cannot reach, resulting in more concentrated and complex fruit.

Detailed Tasting Profile

Pour a glass of Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon and you're immediately greeted by a deep garnet color that hints at the concentration within. The wine's appearance alone suggests serious intent, with a density that catches and holds light, creating ruby highlights at the rim that indicate both youth and quality extraction.

On the nose, this Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a classic profile of blackcurrant and blackberry, the hallmark fruits of well-made Cabernet. As the wine breathes, secondary aromas emerge—dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of vanilla from careful oak aging. There's an intriguing savory element too, with notes of dried herbs, particularly sage and thyme, adding complexity to the fruit-forward profile. A subtle pencil shaving note, that graphite character so prized in premium Cabernet, makes an appearance as the wine continues to evolve in the glass.

The palate delivers on the nose's promises with impressive harmony. The attack is smooth yet assertive, with ripe black fruit flavors coating the mouth. Mid-palate, the wine shows its structure—firm but polished tannins that provide backbone without astringency. The oak influence is judicious, adding layers of mocha and baking spices without overwhelming the fruit. What's particularly impressive about Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon is its balance—the alcohol is well-integrated, the acidity provides lift and freshness, and the finish lingers with pleasant notes of dark fruit and subtle minerality.

How 337 Compares to Other California Cabs

In the crowded landscape of California Cabernet Sauvignon, Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon occupies a sweet spot that wine enthusiasts actively seek. Unlike entry-level California Cabernets that often rely on residual sugar to mask harsh tannins or lack of fruit concentration, Noble Vines 337 achieves its approachability through genuine quality and careful winemaking.

When compared to Cabernets from Paso Robles, Noble Vines 337 shows more restraint and elegance. While Paso Robles often produces powerhouse wines with intense extraction and high alcohol, the Lodi-sourced 337 maintains a more food-friendly profile without sacrificing complexity. Against North Coast appellations like Alexander Valley or Dry Creek Valley, Noble Vines 337 holds its own with similar flavor intensity but often at a more accessible price point.

Perhaps the most relevant comparison is with other clone-specific Cabernets in the market. While some producers blend multiple clones to achieve complexity, the single-clone focus of Noble Vines 337 provides a purity of expression that's increasingly rare. This approach allows wine lovers to taste the specific characteristics that made Clone 337 famous among viticulturists and winemakers. The wine doesn't try to be everything to everyone; instead, it confidently showcases what makes this particular clone special.

Perfect Food Pairing Guide

The structured yet approachable nature of Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon makes it an exceptional partner for a wide range of cuisines. The wine's firm tannins and good acidity create a palate-cleansing effect that makes it ideal with rich, fatty dishes. A perfectly grilled ribeye steak, with its marbled texture and charred exterior, finds its ideal match in this Cabernet's bold fruit and structured tannins.

Beyond the classic steak pairing, this wine excels with braised dishes where long, slow cooking develops deep, complex flavors. Beef short ribs braised in red wine, lamb shanks with rosemary and garlic, or even a hearty mushroom bourguignon for vegetarian diners all harmonize beautifully with the wine's flavor profile. The herbal notes in the wine particularly complement dishes featuring rosemary, thyme, or sage.

For cheese pairings, look to aged, hard cheeses that can stand up to the wine's intensity. Aged cheddar, Manchego, or a well-aged Gouda provide enough flavor and texture to create a balanced pairing. The wine's fruit-forward nature also makes it surprisingly good with dark chocolate desserts, particularly those with a high cacao content that echoes the wine's own chocolate notes.

Optimal Serving Recommendations

To fully appreciate Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon, proper serving temperature and technique make all the difference. The ideal serving temperature falls between 60-65°F (15-18°C), slightly cooler than room temperature. This temperature range allows the wine's aromatics to express themselves fully while keeping the alcohol in balance and preventing the tannins from seeming harsh.

Decanting this wine for 30-45 minutes before serving can significantly enhance the drinking experience. While not strictly necessary for current vintages, decanting serves two purposes: it allows the wine to breathe and open up, releasing more complex aromas and softening the tannic structure, and it provides a bit of theater that enhances the overall wine experience. If you don't have a decanter, simply opening the bottle an hour before serving and pouring a small sample to increase the wine's surface area exposure can achieve similar results.

Glassware selection also impacts the wine's presentation. A large-bowled Bordeaux-style glass or universal wine glass with ample room for swirling allows the wine's aromas to concentrate and directs them toward your nose. The wider opening of these glasses also allows the wine to flow onto the palate in a way that emphasizes fruit and minimizes the perception of tannins, making each sip more pleasurable.

The Value Proposition

In today's wine market, where Napa Valley Cabernets routinely command three-digit prices, Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon represents exceptional value for quality-conscious wine lovers. This isn't about finding the cheapest option—it's about identifying wines that over-deliver on quality relative to their price point.

The value proposition extends beyond mere price considerations. By focusing on a single, high-quality clone and sourcing from Lodi's established vineyards, Noble Vines can produce a wine that would cost significantly more if it carried a Napa Valley appellation. The money saved on prestigious zip codes goes directly into the bottle, resulting in better fruit quality, more careful winemaking, and ultimately a more satisfying wine experience.

For wine enthusiasts building a cellar or simply stocking up for entertaining, Noble Vines 337 hits that sweet spot of being special enough for important occasions while accessible enough for Tuesday night dinners. It's the kind of wine you can confidently serve to knowledgeable wine lovers without breaking the budget, and its broad food compatibility means one wine can work throughout a multi-course meal.

Inside the Winemaking Process

The journey from Clone 337 vines to the finished Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon involves careful decision-making at every step. Harvest timing proves critical—too early and the wine lacks the rich, ripe fruit characters that define great Cabernet; too late and the wine becomes jammy and loses its refreshing acidity. The winemaking team monitors the vineyards closely, tasting berries daily as harvest approaches to identify the perfect picking window.

Once in the winery, the grapes undergo careful sorting to ensure only the best fruit makes it into the fermenter. The winemaking philosophy balances modern technology with traditional techniques. Temperature-controlled fermentation preserves fruit characters while extended maceration extracts color and tannins from the thick-skinned Clone 337 berries. The precise fermentation protocol varies with each vintage, as the winemaking team responds to the unique characteristics of each year's fruit.

Oak aging represents another crucial decision point. Noble Vines 337 sees a combination of new and used oak barrels, with the exact proportion adjusted each vintage to complement the fruit's natural characteristics. The goal is enhancement, not domination—the oak should add complexity and texture without masking the pure expression of Clone 337 fruit. This judicious use of oak, combined with careful barrel selection, contributes to the wine's integrated, harmonious profile.

Seasonal Enjoyment Guide

While great wine knows no season, Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon shows different facets throughout the year. During autumn months, as temperatures cool and heartier dishes return to the table, this Cabernet's warming qualities and rich fruit profile perfectly complement seasonal favorites like braised meats, root vegetable stews, and mushroom-based dishes.

Winter calls for the wine's full expression—served at proper temperature alongside roasted meats, aged cheeses, and rich sauces. The wine's structure and depth provide comfort on cold evenings, while its complexity gives you something to contemplate by the fireplace. Holiday gatherings benefit from this wine's crowd-pleasing nature and ability to pair with traditional festive dishes.

Spring and summer might seem like white wine season, but Noble Vines 337 adapts beautifully to warmer weather when served slightly cooler and paired appropriately. Grilled vegetables, barbecued meats, and even heartier fish preparations work wonderfully. The wine's fruit-forward nature makes it more versatile than heavily tannic Cabernets that demand winter fare.

Cellaring and Aging Potential

While Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon drinks beautifully upon release, its structure and balance suggest genuine aging potential. The combination of Clone 337's naturally concentrated fruit, firm tannins, and balanced acidity provides all the elements necessary for graceful evolution in the bottle.

In the near term (2-5 years), expect the wine to maintain its fruit-forward character while the tannins continue to soften and integrate. The oak influence will become more subtle, melding with the fruit to create a more seamless flavor profile. This is often the sweet spot for enjoying this style of Cabernet—old enough to have developed complexity but young enough to retain vibrant fruit.

For those with patience, cellaring Noble Vines 337 for 5-8 years can reward with tertiary flavors of leather, tobacco, and dried herbs joining the fruit spectrum. Proper storage conditions—consistent temperature around 55°F, adequate humidity, and protection from light and vibration—will ensure the wine develops optimally. While this isn't a wine that demands decades of aging, it certainly rewards those who can resist immediate gratification.

Perfect Occasions for 337

Understanding when to open a bottle of Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon enhances both the wine and the moment. This wine's combination of quality and approachability makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from intimate dinners to larger celebrations.

For dinner parties, Noble Vines 337 serves as an excellent conversation starter. The clone-specific story provides an educational element that wine-curious guests appreciate, while the wine's quality speaks for itself among more knowledgeable enthusiasts. Its food-friendly nature means hosts can confidently serve it throughout the meal without worrying about pairing conflicts.

Business dinners and client entertainment also benefit from this wine's profile. It shows sophistication without ostentation—you're serving serious Cabernet Sauvignon without the obvious luxury price tag. Gift-giving occasions like housewarmings, holidays, or thank-you gestures find an ideal candidate in Noble Vines 337, as it's special enough to show thought while practical enough to actually be enjoyed rather than saved indefinitely.

Expert Wine Insights

The growing recognition of clone-specific wines like Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon reflects a broader trend in wine appreciation toward transparency and terroir expression. Wine professionals increasingly recognize that understanding specific clones helps predict wine style and quality, much like knowing specific vineyard sites.

Sommeliers appreciate wines like Noble Vines 337 for their reliability and versatility in restaurant settings. The consistent quality across vintages means they can confidently recommend it knowing it will deliver the expected experience. The wine's moderate alcohol and balanced profile make it suitable for business lunches and extended dinner conversations where heavier, more alcoholic wines might overwhelm.

From a winemaking perspective, the focus on Clone 337 represents a commitment to varietal purity that's increasingly rare in an era of elaborate blends. This single-clone approach allows winemakers to showcase exactly what makes 337 special—its natural concentration, balanced structure, and ability to express place. It's a philosophy that prioritizes authenticity over manipulation, letting the inherent quality of the clone speak for itself.

The story of Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon is ultimately one of heritage meeting innovation, of respecting tradition while embracing modern winemaking excellence. Whether you're exploring the world of clone-specific wines for the first time or adding to an established collection, this bottle offers both immediate pleasure and the satisfaction of supporting thoughtful, quality-driven winemaking. Visit Kindred Spirits & Wine in Dallas to discover this exceptional expression of California Cabernet Sauvignon and experience firsthand why Clone 337 has earned its place in viticultural history.