Winery: Bonterra Vineyards

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Location: Mendocino County, California

Purchased: Schnucks

Price: $ 18.85

 

I recently joined an online group to discuss and review wines. Once a month a category is selected for tasting such as variety, year or wines under a certain price point. For our first review, value wines under $20 was selected. I chose the Bonterra Vineyard’s 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, and I found it at our local grocery store.

 

The Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon showcased bright and vibrant colors in the glass, with rose colored edges. The nose supplied a plethora of red fruits with subtle notes of cinnamon and vanilla. My immediate reaction to this wine was it was mild and reserved for a Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate the wine was uninspiring and soft. However, the finish provided an interesting curve ball. For me, the most memorable aspect of this wine was the finish. It carried a lingering punch that I didn’t expect after an initial taste.

 

I find it interesting to read reviews after sampling a wine to see what others thought of it. Here’s what James Laube of Wine Spectator said, “Supple, elegant and polished, delivering ripe, fleshy plum, black cherry, mineral, spice and light cedary oak flavors that are well-proportioned, gaining length. Drink now through 2011.” He scored this wine with 88 points, very good – a wine with special qualities.

 

This wine was not bad, it just didn’t meet my expectations for a Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ve tasted Cabernet Sauvignon wines with much more distinctive flavors and aromas for about half the cost. We paired the Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon with a grilled peppercorn steak and asiago broccoli. For me, it lacked the depth and intensity to pair with a steak.