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Cabernet Sauvignon, the big old man of wine, went down better than we expected despite our spending about $200 for six bottles. We expect that the aged gouda, skirt steak, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and dark chocolate brownies that Scott served for dinner helped.
We tasted recent vintages from France, California, Chile and Argentina -- no Super Tuscans or Australians due to budget limitations -- and all Tipplers were pleasantly surprised by how accessible and food-friendly they were ... at least with classic steakhouse fare. Bottom line: we learned that Cabernet is not just for Gordon Gekko anymore.
Bottle 1: Estancia Estates Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California ($12.99)
Rank Amateurs Said: garnet color, plums, dark berries, black cherry, mint, smooth, tannins aren't overwhelming, "sundried tomato," medium body, medium finish
In a Word: Fruit
Paired with Food: Nice and juicy with the salty stuff, a good value
Bottle 2: Finca El Reposo Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Mendoza, Argentina ($12.99)
Rank Amateurs Said: garnet color, dark fruit, "beef jerky," blueberries, minimal tannins, spice, dust. medium body, medium finish
In a Word: Burgers
Paired with Food: Good with everything we had, but we imagined it as an ideal burger wine
Bottle 3: Cousiño Macul Cabernet Sauvignon Antiguas 2007, Maipo, Chile ($15.99)
Rank Amateurs Said: garnet color, "big strawberries," plums, blackberries, herbs, soft tannins, "pizza," sausage, oregano/tomato, bay leaf, celery salt, black pepper, smooth, full body, long finish, could age
In a Word: Favorite
Paired with Food: For the price-to-tastiness ratio, it was the fan favorite
Bottle 4: André Goichot Vin de Pays Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Languedoc, France ($11.99)
Rank Amateurs Said: lighter garnet color, "jelly donut," sweet almonds, "treacly ether gas of human bodies on a subway," lack of concentration, lighter body, short finish
In a Word: Skip
Paired with Food: Better, but still a strange, not-very-fun-to-drink wine
Bottle 5: Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa/Sonoma, CA ($74.99)
Rank Amateurs Said: garnet color, cassis, ripe raspberries and blackberries, mocha, spice, tea, oak, smooth, soft tannins, full body, could age, long finish
In a Word: Grand
Paired with Food: Really good with all the food, even dessert
Bottle 6: Château Rauzan-Ségla Margaux 2006, Bordeaux, France ($73.97)
Rank Amateurs Said: garnet color, black fruit, bay leaf, tea, mineral, ground coffee, "smells like the coffee section at Fairway," "raw meat," "static electricity," potatoes, metal, "lightning," rain, soft tannins, medium finish, medium body
In a Word: Subtle
Paired with Food: Banging with the cheese, good with all
Links
Estancia Estates
Viño Cousiño Macul
Maison André Goichot
Pride Mountain Vineyards
Château Rauzan-Ségla
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