For $19.95 a good Cabernet Sauvignon from California is a rarity or at least what the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) buyers put on the shelf. However of late Washington can deliver at that price. For the LCBO California is a sacred cash cow and Washington State must seem terrifying to LCBO bean counters lest consumers run off in terror!
The Cosentino Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 possesses that Washington warmness on the nose. There is plum, black cherry, blueberry with a touch of mocha. Speaking of a touch that is not the case with the alcohol level at 14.5% which rudely shunts aside some of the fruit. I am not a fan of Port wine power in a red table wine. Thankfully the alcohol does not fuzz out the fruit on the palate. The palate presents a smooth wine with moderated tannins and no alcohol fuelled burn. An intricate foundation of blueberry pie filling seems to be hiding deep in the foundations of the wine. In summation a good wine but its high alcohol obfuscates (but does not eliminate) that Washington charm I have encountered lately in Washington State wines. From where comes this charm? I’m working on that but I think it is a very skillful use of oak with top quality grapes. Would suit grilled beef, lamb and portobello burgers.
(Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2016, Cosentino Winery, Richland, Washington, $19.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 698142, 14.5%, 750 mL, RKS Wine Rating 89/100).
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