Cabernet Sauvignon- the “King of Wines”
This post comes to us from our guest blogger, Benjamin Prelvukaj, the founder of Benjamin Steak House. Please see his full bio at the end of this post.Many people ask us why Cabernet Sauvignon is the most extensive red on our wine list. The fact is, it is the most elegant varietal and perhaps the most versatile varietal, as well. Many also consider it to be the “King of Wines,” a notion that I strongly agree with. A finely produced Cabernet will always display a great balance of character, solid tannins, a lingering finish on the palette, and a refined bouquet. It is almost never a weak wine, and its body characteristics are almost always opulent, but not overbearing. As such, it is strong enough to go with a dish as rich and as flavorful as steak, but not too strong to overpower it. That said, the solid tannins in Cabernet and its contained level of natural sugar will always add to the steak experience. Here are a few of my domestic favorites from California:
BR Cohn “Olive Hill” from Sonoma Valley: with its excellent tannins and smooth finish it is reminiscent of a solid Bordeaux style wine.
Shafer from Napa Valley: displays some of Stags Leap’s best characteristics, this amazing district’s fruit offers a smooth velvety finish.
One may also opt for the remarkable “Cave Cellared” Jarvis with their steak, for an impressive depth and boldness, pushing the borders of the Cabernet Sauvignon’s natural characteristics with depth of character and strength and intensity of body.
Cheers,
Benjamin Prelvukaj
Editor's Note: About our guest blogger Benjamin Prelvukaj 
Benjamin Prelvukaj is the ambitious young entrepreneur who founded Benjamin Steak House. Benjamin, along with fellow Peter Luger alumni, Chef Arturo McLeod, started Benjamin Steak House in 2006. In two short years, Benjamin Steak House has established itself as one of New York’s premiere steak houses, attracting business professionals and celebrities alike.
At the humble age of 18, he moved to New York in pursuit of a better life for him and his family. After working at various New York restaurants, he began working full-time as a waiter at the famous Peter Luger steakhouse in Brooklyn while also attending school. Juggling school and a full-time job was no easy task, but Benjamin was determined to succeed.
While working at Peter Luger, Benjamin paid close attention to what made the restaurant so successful. He also took note of the areas he thought needed improvement. These assessments were the building blocks to the development of Benjamin Steak House. After assembling a group of investors, Benjamin began to search for a location for his dream restaurant. When he stumbled upon the Dylan Hotel, Benjamin knew he had found the right place. The elegant setting of the two-story space, located in the century-old Chemist Club building near Grand Central was exactly what he has envisioned. With its brass chandeliers, soaring ceilings, and 10-foot fireplace, the location felt like a Sinatra-esque throwback to the Big Band Era.
Many restaurants had failed in this location before- including the Chemist Club Grill and Britney Spears’ NYLA- but that did not deter Benjamin. The first 6 months after the opening, business was slow, but Mr. Prelvukaj refused to lose hope. He continued to refine his menu, hire the finest wait and kitchen staff, and promote Benjamin Steak House around the city. In time, his hard work paid off. Today it is rare to find an empty seat in Benjamin’s, even on weekdays, and celebrity clientele include world champion boxers Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko, movie stars Vin Diesel, Hillary Duff, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Meloni, and Reba McIntyre, and super models Naomi Campbell and Jessica Hart, among others. Benjamin Prelvukaj’s success story is truly inspirational, and a testament to the fact that, no matter where you come from, if you have the ambition and persistence, you too can live the American dream.
At the humble age of 18, he moved to New York in pursuit of a better life for him and his family. After working at various New York restaurants, he began working full-time as a waiter at the famous Peter Luger steakhouse in Brooklyn while also attending school. Juggling school and a full-time job was no easy task, but Benjamin was determined to succeed.
While working at Peter Luger, Benjamin paid close attention to what made the restaurant so successful. He also took note of the areas he thought needed improvement. These assessments were the building blocks to the development of Benjamin Steak House. After assembling a group of investors, Benjamin began to search for a location for his dream restaurant. When he stumbled upon the Dylan Hotel, Benjamin knew he had found the right place. The elegant setting of the two-story space, located in the century-old Chemist Club building near Grand Central was exactly what he has envisioned. With its brass chandeliers, soaring ceilings, and 10-foot fireplace, the location felt like a Sinatra-esque throwback to the Big Band Era.
Many restaurants had failed in this location before- including the Chemist Club Grill and Britney Spears’ NYLA- but that did not deter Benjamin. The first 6 months after the opening, business was slow, but Mr. Prelvukaj refused to lose hope. He continued to refine his menu, hire the finest wait and kitchen staff, and promote Benjamin Steak House around the city. In time, his hard work paid off. Today it is rare to find an empty seat in Benjamin’s, even on weekdays, and celebrity clientele include world champion boxers Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko, movie stars Vin Diesel, Hillary Duff, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Meloni, and Reba McIntyre, and super models Naomi Campbell and Jessica Hart, among others. Benjamin Prelvukaj’s success story is truly inspirational, and a testament to the fact that, no matter where you come from, if you have the ambition and persistence, you too can live the American dream.
Labels: Cabernet Sauvignon- the “King of Wines”
This entry was posted by Jacqui Pini, on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. You can
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