Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Obikwa Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Who made it: Distell Ltd. at Adam Tas Cellars
What varietal(s): Cabernet Sauvignon
Where: Western Cape, South Africa
Why drink it: Because it’s cheap and you’re not picky
Extra, extra: $10, 13.5%

This is one of those inexpensive wines popping up everywhere. Some people like the story on the back label about the resilient Obikwa people surviving (thanks in part to ostrich eggs) in a tough environment, others like the fact that it’s cheap with a cheerful label depicting a primitive drawing of an ostrich.

So, now we have another inexpensive, popular wine with a critter as its icon. People do seem to love wildlife on their wine bottles (Yellowtail, anyone?). But is it good? Well, it’s not bad. It’s not great either. But, it is drinkable, especially with a slab or red meat or a juicy burger.

What can you expect from this ruby red Cab? Aromas of oak, alcohol, dark fruit (cassis) and a hint of vegetal earthiness.

On the palate, oak hits you first, then flavours of blackberry, cassis and green pepper. The medium tannins are a bit rough, but this is a very young wine. It’s also a bit sharp and astringent, but not to the point that it’s terrible. The finish is short-medium and is tannic and warm with alcohol. Overall, you get what you pay for. It’s not bad for 10 bucks, but I’ve had better cheap wines. It’s not a big Cab; it’s lighter in body and fullness of flavour. Drink this simple wine with food to tone down the tannins and heighten the flavours.

If you don’t like big wines, you may like this for an ordinary night of drinking. Taste is a personal thing and some people I know like this, others hate it. I don’t mind it occasionally with food. Skip it if your taste buds are craving something big, elegant or complex.

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