Another $5 Wine

I picked up this wine from Grocery Outlet for just under five bucks. No varietals other than Cabernet Sauvignon are specified, but technically there could be up to 25% of anything else in there. Ravenswood produces a pretty large selection of wine, and I gather this “Vintners Blend” is their entry level range.

Tasting Notes

Medium+ garnet colour, with some ruby at the edge

Dark fruits and lavender on the nose, with medium- intensity. Very slight hints of graphite and smoke.

On the palate, the acidity is moderate and the tannin is lower and softer than one would expect for a young cab. The flavour is of dark cherry and lavender. I found the mouthfeel fades at the back of the palate fairly quickly, leaving a sensation of sweetness. Overall, I’d say the finish is short for a wine of this weight.

Conclusion

This wine has a nice aroma to it, but the mouthfeel lets it down for me. The lavender aroma is very much like I’ve had before with wines from Lodi, but I dare say there’s fruit from all over in this one. Usually, 13.5% alcohol in a California Cabernet Sauvignon would mean cooler conditions and therefore more acidity and tannin. This wine is made to a budget, and the structure is compromised when the fruit isn’t ideal, but it’s ok.

I probably wouldn’t buy this one again myself, but I would be interested to try other wines from the Ravenswood brand. They have been making wine for over 40 years after all, and are based in Sonoma County.