r/CheapWine

Price: $18.88 (closeout deal)

Region: Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California, USA

Blend: some sources say 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, some say there's 4% Petite Sirah.

ABV: 14.5%

Appearance: Medium intensity purple

Nose: cassis, black cherry, blackberry, black plum, blueberry, strawberry, violet, thyme, lavender, chocolate, vanilla, cedar, baking spices, potting soil, green bell pepper, gunpowder, earth. Medium intensity

Palate: medium body, medium+ tannin, medium+ acidity, high alcohol, medium+ finish, medium+ intensity. Mostly black and red fruits with a bit of herbaceousness and earth. Good alcohol integration.

Score: 91 points

A brighter, more elegant california cabernet. Probably one of the few I've actually liked. Far from the typical overripe oak juice.

Price: $9.99

Region: California, USA

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

ABV: 14%

Method: 50% stainless fermentation, 50% barrel fermentation, 8 months sur lie aging

Appearance: pale gold

Nose: red apple, pear, candied lemon peel, honeydew melon, peach, butter, cream, yeast, green tea, asparagus, nutmeg, vanilla, toast. Medium intensity.

Palate: medium body, high alcohol, medium acidity. Medium intensity and Medium+ finish. Mostly flavors of apple, lemon, peach, and cream, with a hint of spice and vegetal notes.

Score: 87 points

Hard to beat for the price, but it's a little light and lacking complexity.

Super Refreshing, a little spritz to the wine, that actually stuck around after being open for a day in the fridge! At 9% Alc you don’t have to feel guilty about going back for a second glass!

Guess who's back (sorta)

Tasting notes in the comments!