![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVYWQVePgXI2XF1bON8MRPgnFEGDbqGbgr-MfgVq7Q_j7-LSooV6wjv5z0SDU2npLaxlnoNR6LMrfBLyXsk8M3UudZPVrk-0YP4QGozVhIVxuP19R8r-_WTc1vS_EU2ulTVoxgDINJ8Mc/s320/L-J-Web-CS_sized.jpg)
I like my Cabernets to have a classic profile: plum and currant in the fruit department, pepper for spice, and enough acidity that I know I'm not drinking watered-down jam.
Here are three bottles that fit my preferences--and none has a suggested retail of more than $15. If you like your Cabernets big and bold or fruity and sweet, these wines may not appeal to you. But if what you're looking for is a wine that shows the grape's varietal character and an appealing price point, give one of them a try.
2009 Lander Jenkins Cabernet Sauvignon Spirit Hawk (suggested retail $15; available in the market for $7-$15) Rich plum aromas characteristic of this grape variety lead into a plummy palate with notes of mocha and eucalyptus. Though the tannins are fine-grained, they have a nice grip that will be appealing to lovers of more brawny wine. Excellent QPR.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUcogiu2fxRMosgnRxrKuO9EdnpwV24UVio9T4IzITXGCe5ct5gKtyRRTLqqRYHTizVXmCMcW8bnq_14cUn45C4GSbLfQhXGPWvPoO6P4bbvZExYpY7fqqwlZ-_F3wFVtUJKnnMOS9F6K/s320/robert-mondavi-winery-private-selection-cabernet-sauvignon-california-usa-10296214.jpg)
2010 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Private Selection (suggested retail $11; available for $8-$12 in the market) This wine has classic aromas and flavors of cassis, plum, herbs, and green pepper with smooth, well-integrated tannins. This will not necessarily appeal to fans of hugely fruity Cabernets, but if elegance is what you're after, you can't do better than this for $11. Excellent QPR.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21TMB73r6dOCaF6duCrhACSXXHbJ4Yfyr6rrSPnE2V29pzs1G99ORxavI5lK8Yvq6hBSYOXyYp64kOToFIRAxlg7Eawhx6vvAEp-t7hBXQepecOZTNPXkaV0EBiMKYu2vWkuRFcxMnFG1/s320/ca_cabsauv_sidebottle2.png)
Classic pairings for Cabernet Sauvignon include burgers, roast beef, grilled steak, and (a personal favorite from my childhood) Pepper Steak. If you're a vegetarian and want something to go with Cabernet, look for a recipe that uses rosemary like this white bean and rosemary soup recipe (sub veggie stock for the chicken stock). Rosemary and Cabernet are a match made in heaven!
Full Disclosure: I received samples of these wines for possible review.
3 comments:
Looking forwaed to trying these. So far your choices have not let me down!
So, you seem to be a bit of a Cab Goldilocks, Dr. Debs--I'll look for these "just rights." And by the way, good to have you back on the beat--what, have you been busy with something else?
A great taste with low expenses. Great choice and sharing. I like it.
Wine Gift Membership
Post a Comment