Wine Review: Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Posted by Wine Welfare | Filed under $14-$18, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Paso Robles, Red, USA

Color

Nice cherry red. Not overdoing it in terms of inkiness, but rather a very pleasing shade. Normally a Cabernet this young will seem rather light in color, but this one still looks sturdy.

Nose

Dark, bitter chocolate and prunes. This was unexpected being a 2006. Some fantastic pepper and ripe berries, help to muffle the heat that hits your nose upon first sniff.

Taste

A well-crafted Cabernet with great balance between the acidity and the tannins (remember, tannins are what give you that tongue-puckering sensation). While balanced, you will still be pulling a sour lemon face, bu then the fruit comes in to save the day. Very complex mix of dark bing cherry, blackberry, black pepper and loads of chocolate-covered prunes. The wine hangs on, too, with the dark chocolate really coating your tongue in the end.

With Food

Great with grilled lamb, ostrich or beef. Not sure if baked meat would do as well with these flavors. We’re tasting pepper here, so don’t overdo the spice rubs or whatever you do to dress up your meat. Hopefully it does not really have to be said (but we’ll say it anyway just in case): NO BARBECUE SAUCE WITH WINE.

$15.98 at WineLibrary.com!

Vina Robles website