Tasting: Cabernet Sauvignon - California
Four California Cabernet Sauvignons, except for one red blend. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold tannins, deep color, and rich flavors, often showcasing notes of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, tobacco, and vanilla from oak aging. The wines can range from fruit-forward and smooth to structured and complex, with aromas of dark berries, green bell pepper, and spice depending on the region and winemaking style.
Each wine was decanted for 30 minutes before tasting. We evaluated color, aroma, taste, berry presence, dryness, burn, and length of flavor, scoring individually before comparing results.
Wines Tasted & Scores
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon (2021, $18.99, Lake County, California)
Color: “Darker Opal, more of a garnet color”
Total Scores: Scott - 13, Lynn - 15
Debonair Cabernet Sauvignon (2022, $10.95, Mendocino County, California)
Smell: “Not that great”
Flavor: “Wet leaves”
Total Scores: Scott - 11, Lynn - 14
Dreaming Tree Crush Red Blend (2021, $16.99, Livermore/Ripon, California)
Color: “Darker than the rest,” “much more opaque”
Flavor: “Berry flavors,” “barely decent”
Total Scores: Scott - 11, Lynn - 14
Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon (2022, $16.99, Livermore/Ripon, California) – Winner
Color: “Dark,” “light purple around the edges,” “best color”
Smell: “Cinnamon,” “peppermint-cinnamon”
Flavor: “Tastes great,” though “no berry flavor”
Total Scores: Scott - 15, Lynn - 15
Winning Wine: Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon (2022)
The Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon was the clear winner, receiving the highest combined scores from both Lynn and Scott.
Balanced and smooth: The wine had an enjoyable flavor, making it stand out.
Complex aroma: Though Scott was unsure about the cinnamon and peppermint notes, Lynn found the scent intriguing.
Best overall appeal: The rich color, depth, and dry character made this wine their top recommendation despite not having strong berry flavors.
This tasting highlighted Tribute’s excellent balance of taste, aroma, and structure, making it the best pick of the evening. 🍷
