RKS 2023 Wine: California Cabernet Sauvignon and My Self Imposed $25 Guideline

Posted byRobert K Stephen (CSW)Posted infilmTags:, ,

I am not one that ordinarily judges a wine by its price but there are exceptions to the rule or is it rules to the exception?

One RKS Wine guideline for Cali Cabernet Sauvignon is that don’t expect much under the $25 guidepost. I suppose given the latest increases in wine prices in our province of Ontario that should be adjusted to $30.

Let’s put this new guideline to the test with a $26.95 CDN Cali North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon from dough wines.

Aroma: Lots of blueberry a la classic Cali Cab Sauv. Secondary notes of blackberry and black cherry. Not lush and plush but can we call the bouquet reticent if not a bit tense?

Palate: A mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon very light on its feet. The fruit is there but is just a bit shy which suits me just fine. Tannins and acids are hiding under the bed. Short finish. It handles its 14% alcohol admirably.

Personality: Come on RKS admit you like me and your guideline is just a guideline! I would like to exaggerate a bit and label myself as “elegant”.

Food Match: Some Morbier or St. Nectaire cheese drizzled with blackberry flower honey. Now that’s wild like Beach Blanket Bingo!

Cellarbility: Drink by 2025-year end.

Price: $26.95 CDN.

RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 90/100.

(dough North Coast California (Mendocino) 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, dough wines, Sonoma, California, 750 mL, 14%).

Published by Robert K Stephen (CSW)

Robert K Stephen writes about food ,drink, travel, film, and lifestyle issues. He also has published serialized novels "Life at Megacorp", "Virus # 26, "Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog" and "The Penniless Pensioner" Robert was the first associate member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. He also holds a Mindfulness Certification from the University of Leiden and the University of Toronto. Be it Spanish cured meat, dried fruit, BBQ, or recycled bamboo place mats, Robert endeavours to escape the mundane, which is why he has established this publication. His motto is, "Have Story, Will Write."

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