World's best inexpensive Cabernet Sauvignon

The SF Chronicle has good article with some of their best Cabernet picks for under $20 -- very refreshing to see this end of the market being covered.  It has always struck me as strange that so many wine snobs (and wannabe's) insist on only reading and writing about the most expensive and often unattainable wines, while virtually ignoring the lesser-priced gems that the average non-elitist wine drinker is searching out.  Don't get me wrong -- it is fun to read about the latest Ferrari in Car & Driver, but Consumer Reports is going to prove immensely more valuable when I am searching for my next set of wheels.  Why is wine any different?

Some highlights from their picks:

My favorite Cab on this proudly proletarian list is the 2003 Pepperwood Grove California Cabernet Sauvignon ($8), which is more likable than many Cabs I've had at four times the price. The vanilla aroma is strong, indicating lots of exposure to oak, with additional scents of cherry and leather. On the palate, it's nicely balanced between cherry and vanilla flavors with notes of black tea and leather; more cherry keeps coming out on the medium-long finish. ...

The 2002 Two Tone Farm Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($10) is very successful in the oaked-up style. It smells mostly of vanilla and oak with some cherry; on the palate, oak dominates and the tannins are assertive, but the cherry and vanilla flavors are pleasing through the medium-length finish. Let it breathe at least 30 minutes to soften the tannins.

If you prefer minimal oak flavors try the NV HRM Rex Goliath California Cabernet Sauvignon ($9). It's pleasantly jammy and almost all fruit, with aromas and flavors of blackberry and cherry with hints of mint and herb. ...

Australia is a great source of bargain wines these days, and there's plenty of Cab planted Down Under. The 2001 Handpicked Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($10) delivers flavors and aromas of cherry, black tea, coffee, red currant and herb.

Its fellow Aussie, 2003 Kelly's Revenge South Eastern Australia Cabernet Sauvignon ($6), is very simple, with aromas and flavors of black cherry and herb, but you gotta like getting the king of grapes for that price.

And they even have good things to say about wine in a box, if you can believe it (although the very classy Vin Vino Wine shop in Palo Alto carries the first one, so perhaps it is not such a surprise):

The jokesters behind Three Thieves wines have helped once again in liberating wine for the masses. The 2002 Three Thieves Bandit California Cabernet Sauvignon ($7 for a 1-liter box) has a bright, appealing aroma of cherry, cherry candy and vanilla. On the palate, it's a simple and likable combo of cherry and vanilla flavors. The Tetra Pak box it comes in has many advantages  --  it's lightweight and portable, and I once smuggled one into a baseball game where I doubt I would have been able to bring a bottle. However, be warned that it's difficult to pour from without spilling.

The 2003 Black Box Wines Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon ($18 for a 3- liter box) comes in an entirely different kind of box that's not intended to be portable. The bag-in-box packaging is designed to keep wine fresh for several weeks after opening; I haven't tried this myself, but others have and report that it works. Every time you push the spigot to pour a glass, the bag depresses, creating a vacuum and preventing oxidation. Be sure to store the wine in a cool area, especially after opening. This Black Box Cab, which contains the equivalent of four 750 ml bottles, offers simple aromas and flavors of black cherry and toast with an herbal note.

 

Comments

[Louis Biggie]

I really love this wine too. And I think it gives you more value for money than any California Cabernet I have ever had.

Moyey

[Box Wine Guy]

I just tried the Three Thieves Bandit Cabernet in the 1 liter box. Not bad at all. I agree that it's a bit difficult to pour without the odd dribble. Very space-efficient, though.