Using the “blind” testing method, wherein each bottle we tasted was covered so no one could see the label, we tasted four bottles of Cabernet ranging in price from $10 to $30 a bottle. There were eight of us involved in the tasting and only three of us preferred the most expensive wine at the first pass. Like many heavier Cabs, the taste improved after the wine had breathed awhile. On the next go-around, some had to readjust their ratings of the more expensive bottle. However, there was no clear majority on a preference.
Speaking for myself, I can’t tolerate a wine with a smoky after taste no matter what the selling price. Thank goodness there are no wine police. Also, I don’t closely follow the rules of wine pairings with food, such as red wine with beef, or whites with pork and chicken, etc. I happen to go with what pleases my palate. While wine does enhance many of the flavors found in a variety of foods, you should choose wine based on your own preference. If you are dining out and are confused about the pairings, look to the restaurant server to provide a recommendation or consult with the sommelier.
Now we at SPR are far from sommeliers, but we do know what we like. I’ll grant that some here (although I won’t name any names) are even content with a glass of “Two-Buck Chuck”, though not I. While I’ve been loosely categorized as a wine snob by some, there are many inexpensive wines that I’ve found are quite palatable and in today’s economy, affordability is key for many. Conversely, I have tasted wines costing well over $100 a bottle and found them to be abhorrent. So, let your taste buds be your guide and don’t make the mistake of judging a wine by its price alone, or you may be sorely disappointed, not to mention broker.
Below is a list of my favorite Cabernet’s costing under $20. Most can be found in your local grocery store. I hope you find them to be as enjoyable as I have.
- Twenty Bench
- St. Francis’s Red
- Château St. Jean Cabernet
- Château St. Michelle Cabernet
- Benziger Cabernet
- Sebastiani
- B.R. Cohn Silver Label Cabernet
- Topanga Vineyard’s Black and White
- Mondavi Cabernet
- Stag’s Leap’s Nine Points
It’s important to note, that all of these wines will taste best if they’ve been properly stored at 55°. If you don’t own a temperature-controlled wine cabinet, store the bottle in a cool part of the house. Heat is not wines’ friend. And will turn even an expensive purchase into a worthless liquid. Also, most red wines are improved by decanting the bottle. Try pouring a little freshly opened wine into a glass and tasting it. Next, pour a little more into the glass, cover it with your hand, then swirl it vigorously causing bubbles to arise. Now taste it again. I think you’ll perceive a pleasant difference. Try buying and tasting different wines each time you restock. Hitting on a new find is great fun. Keep a record of the wines you like and why you liked them. Watch out, don’t let this become an expensive hobby and remember, try to not shop based on price, and let your taste buds make the choice.
Cheers! |
