By cork
As good as it gets, when it comes to bargain Cabs from California. You can taste the high level of integrity and earnestness behind this wine. The 2014 SEBASTIANI Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is a most earnest red wine. As earnest as Jimmy Stewart, Mister Rogers or Jimmy Carter ever was. Pour the wine into the glass and take a hearty sip, and you know it in an instant—it just feels real and true. Supple and smooth—and just so easy—the rich flavors of blackcurrant, cherry, milk chocolate balls and nutmeg are enjoyable in the most simple way. Life could always use more simplicity. Not that this Cab lacks complexity; there is lengthiness to the finish and, before that, a nice grip on the mid-palate. In a time where it’s so commonplace to question the integrity behind all that goes on, it’s amazing to think that the integrity of this classic American Cab—from a winery that’s been around for over a century—has stayed uncorrupted. –J.M.
Our 2010 Vintage Review:
[dropcap size=dropcap]T[/dropcap]he wine equivalent of a Honda Civic. Sure, sturdy, well-made and reliable—it has just a tad of sex appeal and snob appeal to keep it from being a Corolla. And, for over a century, with no Detroit-like implosion in sight, the SEBASTIANI winery continues to produce solid and estimable wines from their factory in Sonoma. All some people want in a car is a good way to get from point A to point B. If the Civic represents everything you want in an economy car, the Sebastiani 2010 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon represents everything you want in a $14 Cab. You’ve never heard anyone who drives a Civic complain about it, and there’s absolutely nothing to complain about with this Cab. Classic plum, red licorice, blackberry and American oak flavor that can pretty much be enjoyed with any meal. It’s just a very pleasant, and rather delicious, trip from point A to point B. –J.M. 90 pts
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