Full disclosure here. I purchased a few different cases of "close out" wines from an online discounter just to have some cheaper, every day drinking wine. One of the purchases was this 2018 Calculated Risk Sonoma County Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. I bought 4 bottles and for the price (and free shipping), I thought it was worth the..................wait for it...............calculated risk. (Insert laughter here). I digress.
This wine really didn't disappoint. Of the wines that I purchased from the discount vendor, this one was one that I preferred over many that were less than spectacular. There was a very distinct Cabernet nose and medium red color. Sometimes you can open a cheap Cabernet only to find that you struggle to identify the aromas that typically accompany these grapes. This was not the case here. Dried fruit with dark chocolate yielded to dark, ripe cherries and a faint dusty book taste. The finish wasn't incredibly long but it was pleasant and kept me coming back to finish the bottle. I'm definitely not mad at myself for trying this one, although the suggested list price tag on the winery web site would leave you scratching your head (I paid $14.99 and free shipping). I don't think this bottle would be one you could take a glass or two from and put back for another day. It's a one and done deal! Drink now through 2024.
ABV: 14.0%
Sonoma County, California
Suggested retail price: $49.99
Drink The Bottles score: 86/100
