Tasting Week 7: Mars & Venus Cab Sauv.

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Central Valley

Country: Chile

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95

Food?: Not paired with food.

Winery Review: 
This is a fresh, palate friendly wine with notable tannins, boasting colors of garnet and scents of ripe cherry.  This is a full-bodied Cab offering flavors of cherry, chewy blackberry, hints of vanilla and consistent oak.  Easy pairing for red meats off the grill or mixed with a hearty tomato sauce. (www.internationalcellar.com)

My Review:

I have actively been eye-ing this captivating red from the Vintage Cellar for a few weeks now - watching as its numbers dwindle in the sales section.  It seems to be very popular, and surprisingly affordable - I just had to give in eventually.  The description of the wine's color from internationalcellar.com is right on, as this red solicits a "garnet", but noticeably more magenta, reddish hue. This cab sauv features surprisingly sweet and fruity notes on the nose, with definite cherry characteristics in the mix as well.  I would say that the sweetness has almost a maple syrup like appeal - not exactly what I look for in a red - but interesting none-the-less.  Upon tasting, I actually found this red to be decently balanced.  The mouth-puckering tannins were there, but were a nice finish in contrast to the sweet cherry notes in the mid-palate.  Simply put, this red had a range of sweet and tangy from start to finish with highlights of cherry and oaky/vanilla notes.  Not a bad deal at all for sub $6!  I would say this is a terrific find for the wine-connoisseuring college student.