A berry aroma comes with cola and herb notes. The palate is tangy and racy, and it delivers raspberry and plum flavors, with a modest finish.
— M.S.
(3/1/2013)
For an under-$10 Cab, this is good red wine. There’s a smooth nose based on classic aromas of cassis, blackberry and earth. It draws you in, and the palate is bright with flavors of currants, plum and cherry. With a touch of mint and coffee on the finish, it even gives a sense of style.
— M.S.
(9/1/2009)
Brambly plum and leafy berry aromas are quite typical of value-priced Chilean Merlot. The wine has a good mouthfeel and solid structure, with bright but basic berry fruit flavors. Short and generic on the finish. Good for the price.
— M.S.
(2/1/2012)
Starts out varietally correct, with zest in the mouth and citrusy, green aromas. Time doesn't really help it along; the lime and grapefruity crispness is surface-level. Turns more pithy and less focused as it airs out. Drink immediately before it fades.
— M.S.
(12/1/2011)
Plenty of oak off the bat, which is what deviates this wine from the brand’s standard $8 Cab. Frankly, we prefer the cheaper one; this is lemony and overcrowded with coffee and mocha characteristics. The flavors of cherry and wild raspberry are decent, but the balance is sketchy and the oak and acidity seem elevated for what it is.
— M.S.
(9/1/2009)
Rustic and roasted smelling, with meat, leather and some funky, sweaty herbal aromas. The palate is sticky and syrupy, with baked berry, pepper, olive and herbal flavors. Falls off to peppery spice and heat on the finish.
— M.S.
(12/1/2011)
Powdery and sweet smelling, with an acidic palate propelling pedestrian green apple, lime and orange flavors. Fruity but not very refined, with a tenuous balance that indicates that it should be drunk as soon as possible.
— M.S.
(7/1/2009)
Melony and fleshy as most Central Valley SBs tend to be. There’s not much zap, crispness or life blood here, so catch it now for the minimal amount of lemon and green apple it’s giving. Finishes wet and round, with some mild bitterness.
— M.S.
(9/1/2010)