• About Caspernick
  • Star Ratings
  • The Master tasting list

Caspernick's Blog

~ My personal wine tasting notes

Caspernick's Blog

Tag Archives: cabernet sauvignon

Gramercy Cellars ‘Lower East’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Columbia Valley, Washington

16 Sunday Feb 2025

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$35, 5 stars, 93 points, cabernet sauvignon, columbia valley, washington


Deep ruby colored with slight staining, and a high viscosity (14% ABV).  The nose has medium (+) intensity aromas of black cherry, black plum, blackberry, vanilla, baking spice, acacia, and a slight green note (tomato stem?).  The palate is dry with medium  acidity, a medium body, and medium (+) tannins that are silky.  Medium (+) intensity flavors of black fruits, some oak integration by way of a lovely medicinal note coupled with vanilla and baking spice.  There’s a really nice finish that is medium (+) in length but super smooth, the tannins are polished and balanced nicely with the acidity.  The ripeness of the fruit is evident without being jammy- a really enjoyable bottle that gets 93 points from me and for $35- it’s a 5 star wine to drink till 2030.  Salut….

Gramercy Cellars 'Lower East' Cabernet Sauvignon

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Sam Plunkett The Butterfly Effect Cabernet Shiraz 2021, Victoria, Australia

11 Tuesday Feb 2025

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$13, 4 stars, 89 points, australia, cabernet sauvignon, Naked Wines, shiraz, Victoria


Deep purple colored turning slightly bluer on the edges with slight staining and medium viscosity (14.3% ABV).  The nose has medium (+) intensity aromas of ripe plum, eucalyptus, vanilla, blackberry, brambleberry, baking spices, purple licorice, tomato leaf, green and black peppercorns, and acai berry.  It’s jam packed with dark fruit aromas.  The palate is dry with medium acidity, a medium (+) body, and medium tannins that are plush.  The ripe black fruit weaves through eucalyptus, vanilla and spice notes.  The green note I caught on the nose repeats on the mid palate with a touch of unripe stem coupled with some charred oak notes.  The finish is juicy and medium (-) in length.  I am enjoying the melange of flavors in this $13 bottle and think it will benefit from some short term cellaring.  I give it 89 points and 4 stars.  Salut….

Sam Plunkett The Butterfly Effect Cabernet Shiraz

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Scott Peterson Rumpus Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, California

19 Sunday Jan 2025

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$14, 4 stars, 87 points, cabernet sauvignon, california, Naked Wines


Medium ruby to garnet colored with slight copper highlights, light staining, and high viscosity (14.8% ABV). The nose has medium intensity aromas of black plum, blackberry, ripe black raspberry, a hint of twizzlers, some smoke, coffee, black tea, and violet. The palate seems dry, but I suspect a touch of residual sugar. Medium acidity, a medium (+) body, and medium (-) tannins. Flavors of very ripe black raspberry- almost candied, black plum, pomegranate, black tea, coffee, smoke, and that floral violet note I got on the nose. There’s a strange astringency that hits me on the mid palate, not sure where that comes from. The finish is medium in length and pleasant, with a nice mouth feel. 87 points for this $14 effort makes it a 4 star wine to drink till 2026.  (It opened up nicely after 30 or so minutes).  Salut….

Scott Peterson Rumpus California Cabernet Sauvignon

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

David Akiyoshi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Clarksburg, California

15 Wednesday Jan 2025

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$12, 3 stars, 84 points, cabernet sauvignon, califiornia, clarksburg, Naked Wines


Medium ruby with garnet highlights, slight staining, and a high viscosity (14.4% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of candied raspberry, red plum, cranberry jam, cedar, tomato leaf, and pomegranate- decidedly red fruit driven.  The palate is ever-so slightly off-dry, with medium acidity, medium (+) body, and medium tannins.  The red fruit is sweet in nature and off-putting tbh.  It tastes a little manufactured and will likely appeal to many, just not me.  The structure is decent with some neat tannins, but nothing that screams ‘I’m a Cabernet Sauvignon’.  The finish is a little hot and medium (-) in length.  Whilst pleasant to drink, it will pair nicely with lighter meats or BBQ.  I would drink this 84 pointer till 2027.  For $12, it gets 3 stars from me.  Salut….

David Akiyoshi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Scott Peterson ROX of the Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Mendoza, Argentina

09 Thursday Jan 2025

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$16, 5 stars, 91 points, Argentina, cabernet sauvignon, Mendoza, Naked Wines


Deep ruby colored with light staining, and a medium viscosity (14.3% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of black cherry, blackberry, black plum, mint, acai berry, violet, and charred, smoky oak.  The palate is dry with medium acidity, a medium (+) body, and medium (+) tannins that are integrating nicely.  Medium intensity flavors of blackberry, acai, black plum, black cherry with black tea and smoke that lead to a medium length finish.  Yummy stuff that has some aging capacity and structure to hold up to a juicy steak.  I would drink this 91 point wine till 2030.  For $16, it gets 5 stars.  Salut….

Scott Peterson ROX of the Andes Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Clos Apalta 2013, Colchagua Valley, Chile

05 Sunday Jan 2025

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$130, 5 stars, 96 points, cabernet sauvignon, carmenere, chile, colchagua, merlot, petit verdot


Closing out the series at our 38th virtual wine tasting was this stunner.  I ordered it months before in anticipation of going out with a bang and I was not disappointed.  The group loved it and the notes were as follows: deep ruby fading to garnet colored, with slight staining and a high viscosity (15% ABV).  The nose started out funky- “Donkey butt in a barn” was the initial call, followed by aromas of green pepper, black cherry for days, a combo of red and black licorice, cedar, Jujubes, sassafras akin to root beer, layers of ripe black fruits, smoke, and vanilla on the finish.  The palate had medium acidity, a medium (+) body, and medium (+) tannins that are well integrated.  A spectacular wine whose flavors echoed the nose- we all just sat there and stopped taking notes, savoring the complexity and finesse. The only loss of points for me was the medium finish, I had hoped for longer.  It would have scored a perfect 20 if so.  I will rate this $130 bottle at 96 points and award it 5 stars.  What a treat!  Carmenere based at 70% with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot supporting.  Drink till 2035.  Salut….

Clos Apalta

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Les Vignerons de Pierrefeu Prestige Rouge 2005, Cotes de Provence, France

30 Monday Dec 2024

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

cabernet sauvignon, cotes de Provence, france


Deep amber colored with medium viscosity (13.5% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of prune, balsamic syrup, roasted almond, raisin, desiccated blackberry jam, and alcohol (I get loads of it in my shnoz).  The palate is dry with medium acidity, a medium body and very astringent tannins that are melded but still providing grip.  Dried, stewed fruits and over-steeped black tea with some roasted nuts make up the flavors, which are of medium (+) intensity.  The finish is super astringent and the flavors last a medium length but the astringency is something to behold, wow.  This is certainly not a wine that was meant to be aged, it just happened to be forgotten in my brother’s kitchen.  Purchased in Provence in 2008 at the winery where my cousin had his wedding reception.  They got divorced but the wine is still here, barely.  No scores given, no pricing is available, and the rest is destined for the kitchen sink.  A real shame we didn’t open this (Cabernet Sauvignon?) sooner.  Oh well.  You win some, you lose some.  Salut….

Les Vignerons de Pierrefeu Cotes de Provence Pierrefeu Prestige Rouge

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Bodegas Balbás Ardal Cuvée Especial Crianza 2020, Ribera del Duero, Spain

16 Monday Dec 2024

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$30, 5 stars, 92 points, cabernet sauvignon, Ribera del duero, spain, tempranillo


Medium-to-deep ruby colored with slight staining and high viscosity (15% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of ripe blackberry, dusty earth, oak stave, acai berry, menthol, a medicinal note, tomato stalk, black licorice, and a whiff of tobacco.  The palate is dry with medium (+) acidity, a full body, and high tannins that are gritty and young.  The fruit is more intense on the palate than it was on the nose.  Dark berries with nuanced oak and some grippy tannins that carry on for an eternity.  The finish, albeit quite dry, lasts for a medium length and is begging for some food.  I’m guessing the 20% addition of Cabernet Sauvignon has beefed up the normally tame Tempranillo- it makes for an interesting and structured wine that has managed to hide its high alcohol nicely.  I would give this one a wide berth and cellar till 2026, with a drinking window into 2030.  92 points from me for this $30 effort makes it a 5 star wine.  Salut….

Bodegas Balbás Ardal Cuvée Especial Crianza

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Precision Wine Company Method Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, California

01 Sunday Dec 2024

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

$25, 3 stars, 87 points, cabernet sauvignon, california


Deep ruby colored with some staining and medium viscosity (14.5% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of candied black raspberry, red plum, boysenberry, chocolate powder, red licorice, dill, and eucalyptus.  The palate is dry with medium (+) acidity, a medium (+) body, and medium (+) tannins that are pretty grippy and a touch green.  Flavors of dark red fruit, some chocolate, dried green herbs, and eucalyptus.  The finish is a touch off-dry and red-fruit driven which is really not my favorite profile.  The chocolate and green herbs bring it back in line.  It lasts a medium length.  Albeit not my style of wine tbh it will appeal to many as it hints at a touch of RS.  87 points from me for this $25 bottle makes it a 3 star effort to drink by 2027.  I’m pairing with oven roasted Pork Ribs.  Salut….

Precision wine company Method Cabernet Sauvignon California

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Babylonstoren Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Simonsberg-Paarl, South Africa

16 Saturday Nov 2024

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$20, 5 stars, 92 points, cabernet sauvignon, Simonsberg-Paarl, South Africa


Deep purple colored with slight staining and a high viscosity (14% ABV).  The nose has  medium (+) intensity aromas of blackberry, black plum, vanilla, coffee, acai berry, mint, cedar plank and charred oak.  The palate is dry with medium acidity, a full body, and medium (+) tannins.  Medium (+) intensity flavors of black fruits with nicely integrated oak – giving vanilla, coffee, cedar and charred oak notes.  It has a medium (+) ending that wraps the fruit and oak into a focussed finish.  The tannins resolve quickly btw leaving a nice mouthfeel.  I dig this $20 effort and think it’s a 92 point wine to drink till 2028.  5 stars for the price/quality ratio.  Salut….

babylonstoren Cabernet Sauvignon

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...
← Older posts
Newer posts →

RSS Me!

RSS Feed

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 199 other subscribers
Follow Caspernick's Blog on WordPress.com

Archives

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Caspernick's Blog
    • Join 187 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Caspernick's Blog
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d