This is the best Cab I’ve tasted in the value-priced category in a long while. Grown mostly in their estate Margarita Vineyard, it follows the eastside ridge of the Cuesta Grade. A blend of 87 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 15 percent Malbec, 3 percent Petit Verdot, and 3 percent Petite Sirah, it offers big but not overly ripe flavors of plums, currents, boysenberry, and loads of leather and spice in a well rounded wine that’s easy to sip. But try it with a grilled steak, sausage, roast red meats, and you’ll find this friendly wine quite appealing. Like the 2006 Zinfandel, this is a steal at only $16 retail.
You can reach New Times’ Cuisine columnist at khardesty@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Oct 9-16, 2008.
