Riedel Cabernet Decanter #1165

Decanting old wines just a few moments before they are served helps to ensure that the wines' clarity and brilliance are not obscured by deposits and sediment.

• Enhances the enjoyment of wine with drama and flair
• Ensures old wines' clarity and brilliance
• Allows young wines to bloom and develop
• Mouth-blown from lead-free crystal

Brand: Riedel

UPC: 9006206311118

Size: 5w x 5d x 9 1/4h (in)

Weight: 1.7 lbs

Capacity: 39 ounces

Material: Crystal

Is this decanter designed only for Cabernet, or will it work for other red wines?

A: The name refers to the wide, angular base shape suited to bold, tannic reds — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah all benefit from the broad surface area that promotes aeration. It also handles older wines well: pouring just a few moments before serving separates sediment and restores a wine’s natural clarity without over-aerating it. Young wines benefit from several hours of decanting, while older, more fragile bottles need only a brief rest before serving.

Will a full bottle of wine actually fit, with room to aerate?

A: Yes. The decanter holds 39 ounces, which is meaningfully more than a standard 750ml bottle (approximately 25.4 oz). That extra headspace is intentional — it lets the wine circulate and breathe rather than sitting flush against the walls, which is what makes the aeration effective rather than just decorative.

How long should I decant a young red wine in this before serving?

A: For young, tannic reds, Riedel recommends decanting several hours before serving. The extended air contact allows the wine to bloom and reach a stage of development that would otherwise require years of bottle aging. For older vintages with sediment, a few moments in the decanter right before serving is all you need — just enough to clarify the pour without stripping the wine’s more delicate character.

What does “mouth-blown lead-free crystal” actually mean for this piece?

A: Mouth-blown means each decanter is individually shaped by a glassblower rather than pressed by machine, which produces thinner, more uniformly tapered walls and a visual clarity that mass-produced glass can’t replicate. Lead-free crystal achieves that same optical brilliance without lead oxide, so it’s safe for food and drink contact while still giving the wine a clean, luminous presentation on the table.

How large is this decanter, and is it easy to handle and pour from?

A: It measures 5 inches wide by 5 inches deep by 9¼ inches tall and weighs 1.7 lbs when empty. The tapered neck is narrow enough to grip comfortably with one hand and directs the pour cleanly. At under 10 inches tall it fits neatly on a table or sideboard without dominating the setting.