Friday Sips

FRIDAY SIPS
Today, September 7 from 3:30-6:30 PM
Cabernet World, $20 and under
Drop by to sample the 3 Cabs from around the globe

2011 ACHAVAL-FERRER CABERNET SAUVIGNON MENDOZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A new offering from Argentina's most-prized producers. Known for their line-up of outstanding Malbec, this is the first time we are offering their Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon. It would be difficult to find a Cabernet from California or Washington for under 20 bucks that has even half of the richness and balance of this wine. Full, and harmonious, with rich, concentrated flavors of plum and black cherry, chocolate and subtle minty-spice. Throw this bottle into your next Cabernet tasting, it will perform very well. Better yet, fire up the grill and have it with a marinated skirt steak.

2010 CANNONBALL CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

As quoted on Cannonball's web site: "The Cannonball dive is a dive for the people." Owner/winemaker Dennis Hill is striving to make California wines to sell for under 20 bucks and deliver a big splashy WOW factor. Thank goodness the wine media hasn't discovered these. Too many times when this happens, prices rise and frankly, this little 14 dollar Cab is way undervalued. Produced from a blend of Napa and Mendocino fruit and a Cali-Cab at a modest 13.9% alcohol level, this wine exudes beauty from the moment it's poured. Combining cassis, mint, allspice and cherry aromas, it continually unfolds as the bottle is drained. Generous and mouthfilling, both structure and fruit show off and please the palate. An instant winner that will pair nicely with a weekday grilled dinner…burgers, steaks, etc.

2009 JIM BARRY CABERNET SAUVIGNON "COVER DRIVE"
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

The late Jim Barry gained notoriety for producing one of Australia's iconoclast wines, The Armaugh Shiraz and his children have kept the flag flying. There is good news and bad news regarding Jim Barry's wines. The bad news is that The Armaugh will set you back about $200 per bottle if you could find one. The good news is that Jim Barry produces a number of outstanding values including this scrumptious Cabernet from the Coonawara region of South Australia. The smooth and distinct Coonawara qualities of this flavorful 100% Cabernet jump from the glass immediately. Intense cassis, herbs, vanilla and toffee get it started, but after about 20 minutes of aeration, more peppermint, milk chocolate and cigar box permeate through. Penetrating and dense texture that's ripe and layered along with plenty of freshness, especially on the impressively lengthy and dry finish. Drink this succulent Cabernet over the next 5-6 years. If you need score reassurance, this has 90 points from The Wine Advocate, equating to about 19 cents per point.