Variety: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon; 2% Merlot
Region: Mendocino County, California
Cost: $13 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: Rich and dry with flavors of currant, plum, and vanilla. Restrained tannins create balance and depth.
My Review: Another California Cabernet that doesn’t disappoint. I may have to visit Mendocino County. The 2014 Parducci Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon was one of a group of wines from Parducci and True Grit that I received, and I have to say, they have, as a group, been pretty impressive.
On the nose the wine showed aromas of dark fruit and in the mouth I picked up currants and vanilla leading into a juicy, almost wet finish while avoiding being a fruit bomb, surprising given how balanced the wine is, but certainly not enjoyable, especially on a warmer day when a dryer wine would have been almost too much.
I sipped on this wine by itself, but I think pairing it with burgers, saucy pastas, or St Louis style ribs would be a good pairing, matching the mouthfeel of the wine in a pleasing way. For $13 this wine is a great value, avoiding the pitfalls of similarly priced Cabernets from other parts of California, while still fitting perfectly into that grilling and sharing with friends niche that is so valuable this time of year – definitely worth grabbing a bottle to share out your next cookout.
Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
