A Cabernet Sauvignon from California's Ravenswood

Ravenswood Vintners Blend Cabernet Sauvignon California 2003
Sonoma Valley, California
13.5% alcohol
$19.99 for a 750 ml bottle

“No Wimpy Wines” – the Ravenswood motto

I must admit that I’m pretty smitten with Ravenswood wines. This California winery may be known for their Zinfandels, but they make a lot of different types of wine. I even like their Celtic-inspired logo with three head-to-tail ravens forming a circle. It kinda reminds of me of the old 45 record inserts. Remember those? Ah, the simple days of vinyl and record players! Though there’s something almost poignant about listening to the scratch and crackle of a record, I’ll take my CDs and MP3s any day, thank you.

On to my review… Yum! This Cab Sauv is a young, rich, fruit-forward wine with currant and spice flavours. It has a smooth, mild oak taste that gets better with age. I originally tried this deep ruby red wine in early December and found it tasty, but with a bit of an edge. Now, nearly four months later it’s mellowed enough to thoroughly enjoy. It has aromas of cherry and ripe red fruit and berries, with a touch of smoky oak. It goes down smooth, but with a little aftertaste kick of spice and the slight tartness of mild tannins. Flavours of smoke, cherry, black licorice and cassis make this an enjoyable sipper. I also like the warm, smooth, slightly buttery aftertaste that lingers on my tongue. Tastes like big bucks, but won’t blow the budget. Let me repeat myself: Yum, yum, yum!