๐บ๐ธ Wine Review: Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (California) ๐ท๐ท๐ท๐ท
๐บ๐ธ Wine Review: Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (California) ๐ท๐ท๐ท๐ท
Whenever one of the more popular wines we sell goes on sale, I make it a point to pick a bottle up and give it a try. I'm often asked about particular wines while folks are shopping and I love to offer first-hand reviews to better educate my customers. Dark Horse is a popular brand here in the States, offering several varietals including Chardonnay and a Red Blend. On sale for just $6.99 a bottle, it was light on the wallet, to be sure...
Featuring their iconic trademark Horse head with a wine glass inlay on the label, I find the simplicity of the artwork refreshing if not completely contrary to many of the intricate wine labels out there these days. And yet, this wine is not simple.
The reverse label is equally simplistic, offering a simple statement of the wine's character and an invitation to try and comment of their product. I found their characterization of this vintage to be spot on.
Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, jammy vino with strong fruit flavors. Featuring predominately cherry, there is a strong blackberry flavor that runs underneath, establishing a rich, smooth flavor that does not disappoint. Tannins are strong and yet not harsh. The velvety finish hints at cocoa and spice; a depth that is quite remarkable for this 'standard option' wine that is admittedly a mass market offering.
The nose is full fruit; the coloring a dark purple. Both present accurately the tastes within and well prepare the mouth for what is to come.
This varietal can be paired with red meats, in particular, given the bold flavors. I enjoyed it with steak (no surprise there, folks) and it well complimented the potatoes and vegetables, as well.
I'm giving Darkhorse CabSav a four glass rating both for taste and value! ๐ท๐ท๐ท๐ท
Link to the winery in Modesto, California: http://www.darkhorsewine.com/wines/cabernet-sauvignon
Links to a review by Wine Enthusiast: http://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/dark-horse-2013-cabernet-sauvignon-other
Please share your thoughts or let me know if there's anything else in particular you'd like to see in these reviews.
Cheers!
Nice review... Had always wished to have a taste of this wine๐ท๐ท๐ท
You love that steak. Do you own a bottle shop or just sell wine?
It looks like wine prices are substantially cheaper in the states compared to here. Our government puts about 40% tax on alcohol which inflates the price quite a lot. Itโs hard to find a decent bottle of wine for less than $20.
Is your rating out of 5? Must be a good drop indeed.
The short answer is that I manage a grocery store and I spend a lot of time in the wine aisle. ๐
Haha excellent. :)
A good review and apparently good young wine!)) Cheers!
Indeed! Very young cab. But, this brand's cabs are made to be consumed now - not to age.
Yes, there is wine that does not have to wait long
It's always great with a good bottle of wine! Enjoy :-)
Great review, I review wines under ยฃ10 almost exclusively so I'll definitely check this one out, not sure how readily available it will be in Hong Kong though! I remember spotting in when I was back in the UK, a friend said that it reminded her of a Californian Beringer around the same price, same year, so you may want to check that one out if you liked this one!
Not to disagree, but I'm going to strongly disagree about buying this wine. The quality and taste of this bottle is not worth your $6-10 that you'll pay.
Please do yourself the favor of buying wine that costs $15-20 and not the red blends. Unless you're strictly purchasing wine to get drunk / drink an entire bottle in one sitting, and not to enjoy the flavor.
I'm sorry if I sound snobby. I'm honestly just trying to save your taste buds, and your body / liver from all of the chemicals that these less expensive bottles / brands add to their cheap wines.