What’s The Best Bargain Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma?

🍷 Wine Steal of the Week: 2022 Valley of the Moon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Welcome back, wine lovers! This week, we’re in Sonoma County, sipping on a Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers serious quality for an unbeatable price. If you’re looking for a red that punches above its weight class, this one’s for you. Let’s dive in!

🍇 The Wine: 2022Valley of the Moon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Sonoma County, CA

Varietal: Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon

Price Range: $9.99 – $12.99

Where to Find It: Grocery Outlet & select retailers

To checkout A winebook for the Wine-lovers and WinO's out there, click here and enjoy, Cheers!

🛎️ First Impressions

Right out of the bottle, this wine sets the tone with bold, dark fruit aromas and rich, earthy undertones. Valley of the Moon is a well-known name in Sonoma, producing wines that consistently offer great value.

🍷 Tasting Notes

👃 On the Nose

Black Currant (bold and ripe)

Blackberry & Blueberry (juicy and fresh)

Leather & Cigar Box (adds depth and complexity)

Anise (Black Licorice), Coffee Grounds, Wet Soil

Cedar, Black Pepper, Nutmeg

👅 On the Palate

Mouthfeel: Medium-plus to full-bodied with a long, lingering finish

Tannins: Medium-plus to high (suggesting ageability)

Acidity: Medium-minus

Fruit Forward: Blackberry, black cherry, and blackcurrant

Mid-Palate: Earthy notes, leather, and subtle spice

Finish: Black tea, vanilla spice, and a touch of nutmeg

⭐ Final Score: 90 Points

Initially, I had this wine at 89+, but after tasting it further and realizing its ageability, I had to bump it up to a solid 90. You don’t often find a cellar-worthy wine at this price point, making it a steal of the week!

🏆 Why It’s a Steal

At $9.99 – $12.99, this Cabernet Sauvignon easily drinks like a $25+ bottle. Its balance, structure, and long finish make it a fantastic addition to any wine lover’s collection.

🍷 Question of the Day

💬 What’s the best bargain wine label from Sonoma?

To checkout A winebook for the Wine-lovers and WinO's out there, click here and enjoy, Cheers!

Drop your picks in the comments! Until next time—cheers, and happy weekend! 🥂

A Blend That Surprises and Challenges - Wine Steal Of The Week

 

Wine Steal of the Week: Willunga Red Blend (Non-Vintage)

A Blend That Surprises and Challenges

Wine Steal of the Week: Willunga Red Blend, Non-Vintage

Looking for a wine that delivers big flavor without breaking the bank? This week, I’m diving into the Willunga Red Blend (non-vintage), a surprising grocery outlet find for just $4.99! Here’s my take on what this blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and a few other grapes brings to the table.

First Impressions: The Nose

From the first sniff, this wine bursts with vibrant red fruit notes. Think ripe raspberries (stems included) and cherries. There’s a unique woodsy warmth here, reminiscent of a sun-kissed Redwood forest on a hot day — earthy, slightly pungent, and intriguing. Add in hints of white pepper, nutmeg, cedar, and aged leather, and you’ve got a complex aromatic profile that’s worth savoring.

To checkout A winebook for the Wine-lovers and WinO's out there, click here and enjoy, Cheers!

Tasting Notes: The Structure

Let’s break it down:

• Body: Medium-bodied with a solid mouthfeel.

• Acidity: Medium to medium-plus. Balanced and refreshing.

• Tannins: Medium, contributing a gentle dryness on the palate.

• Finish: Here’s where things get interesting. The wine starts strong with well-structured flavors, but as it hits the final stretch, it loses some cohesion. Think of someone nailing a networking event, only to fumble in the last 30 minutes! Like in most things, you must finish Strong!

Flavor Profile: Fruit and Spice

This red blend leads with forward red fruit flavors — raspberries and cherries dominate. The mid-palate introduces nutmeg, cedar, and a touch of toasted oak, adding depth and intrigue. While the finish is short-lived and slightly scattered, the upfront flavors are undeniably enjoyable.

- For Amazing Pairing Ideas, Check Out "It's A Vibe: A Food & Wine Experience", Cheers!

Pairing Suggestions

While the Willunga Red Blend might not make your “special occasion” list, it’s an excellent choice for casual gatherings. Pair it with:

• Barbecue Favorites: This wine complements juicy burgers, smoky ribs, and grilled veggies beautifully.

• Comfort Foods: Try it with a hearty pizza or lasagna for a cozy night in.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $4.99, this wine punches well above its weight class. While it’s not perfect, it offers solid value for the price. I’m giving it 87 points — a respectable score for a budget-friendly bottle. If you’re a fan of medium-bodied reds with a fruit-forward profile, this one’s worth a try.

Question of the Week

What’s your favorite wine region in Australia? I’m eager to explore more Australian wines, so drop your recommendations in the comments below!

Until next time, cheers! 🍷

True Oak Napa Valley 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon: A Cozy Cold-Day Companion

 

True Oak Napa Valley 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon: A Cozy Cold-Day Companion

When the temperature drops, nothing says comfort like a rich, full-bodied wine. Today, we’re diving into the True Oak Napa Valley 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, a textbook example of Napa Valley winemaking at its finest.

Let’s explore this wine together and see what it brings to the table (or your glass).

To checkout A winebook for the Wine-lovers and WinO's out there, click here and enjoy, Cheers!

First Impressions: On the Nose

From the moment I opened this bottle, the aromas painted a vibrant picture. The nose offered:

• Black cherry and blackcurrant: Juicy and inviting.
• Nutmeg and cassis: Adding a layer of spice and depth.
• Dual leather notes: Both new-car freshness and the comforting earthiness of aged leather.
• Vanilla bean and wet soil: A unique combination that highlights Napa’s sunlit terroir.

The wet soil and mineral undertones instantly reminded me of Bordeaux itself, but Napa’s hallmark ripeness shines through in the fruit-forward aromas.

Tasting Notes: Does It Deliver?

On the palate, the True Oak Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, structured, and balanced. Here’s a breakdown:

• Body: Full-bodied with a velvety mouthfeel.
• Tannins: Medium-plus intensity—present but approachable.
• Fruit: Black cherry, blackberry, cassis, and blackcurrant dominate upfront.
• Earth & Spice: A rich mid-palate introduces earthy soil and stony minerality, with hints of nutmeg and tobacco.
• Finish: Long and drying, with lingering notes of black tea and a touch of red raspberry.

This wine feels like an old-school Napa cab—robust, age-worthy, and refined. With an alcohol content of 13.5%, it’s restrained yet powerful, making it a perfect pairing for hearty meals or a "thought-provoking" solo sip.

- For Amazing Pairing Ideas, Check Out "It's A Vibe: A Food & Wine Experience", Cheers!

The Steal of the Week

Here’s the Steal: I purchased this bottle for just $6.99 at Grocery Outlet. A Napa Valley Cabernet of this caliber at such a price is rare, making it a must-try for wine lovers.

Wine Wisdom: My Go-To Cold-Day Wines

Cold weather calls for wines that envelop you like a warm blanket. My favorites? Big, bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or even a robust Malbec. These wines have the structure and warmth to stand up to the chill and deliver comfort in every sip.

So, here’s my question for you:
What’s your favorite wine for a cold day?

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FAQs

1. What foods pair well with the True Oak 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon?
This wine pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like braised short ribs, grilled steak, or mushroom risotto. Its balance of fruit and earthiness complements rich, savory flavors.

2. How long can I age this wine?
While drinkable now, the True Oak 2019 shows potential for aging. Store it for 3–5 more years to soften the tannins and develop deeper complexity.

3. Where can I find this wine?
I found this gem at Grocery Outlet for $6.99. Availability may vary, so check local outlets or similar retailers for stock.

Cheers to finding your perfect cold-day wine! Let me know what keeps you cozy during the winter months.