2004 Pine & Post Cabernet Sauvignon - Washington State

So, every once in a while I have the urge to buy a bottle of wine under $10 from the grocery store, partially for fun and partially to see what sort of pleasure, if any, comes from such an inexpensive bottle of wine.

This week, I purchased Pine & Post Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington State for $6.99.  This wine falls under Precept Wine Brands, a company that currently produces wines from California, Washington, Australia/New Zealand, and various European countries.  Its aim is to represent the best quality wines at very reasonable prices. 

Pine & Post Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are planted on the east side of the Cascade Mtns, which protect them from the marine climate of the Pacific Coast.   Due to relatively low rain fall, by Washington standards, vine vigor is controlled to promote a pretty decent flavor profile in the grapes.  Thanks to warm temperatures during the day, grapes ripen very well, yet the grapes still maintain great acidity due to cool nights. 

This particular wine has rich, concentrated fruit thanks to this vintage having a warm growing season followed by a cool harvest and little rain that allowed for good ripening. 

The wine is a dark ruby purple color.  It has dark fruit characteristics of plumbs, black cherries and currants.  There is a hint of spice and cedar, but I would definitely say more fruit forward.  The tannins are softer, allowing it to be a food friendly, drink-now wine.  While it's balanced now, I don't expect it to last too much longer.  If you're looking for an everyday wine, with nice fruit and typical characteristics of cab sauv, but without harsh tannins, this is a good wine to have around. 

Blend: 83% Cab Sauv, 12% Cab Franc, 5% Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5%