Tasting - Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 7% Petite Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Region: Napa
State: California
Country: USA
Year: 2017
Price: $25

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Winery Review: "What can we say about our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon? It’s sumptuous, lush, and full-bodied with flavors of juicy blackberry and cherry fruit, creamy milk chocolate, and dusty notes all tied together with a toasty oak finish that in a word is...lingering. Educated Guess fills all the requirements that a serious cabernet lover is looking for while remaining fun, approachable, and food-friendly!

My Review: Although this was not my first drink of a Cabernet Sauvignon, it was my first time actually tasting and appreciating it. Before I would shy away from the tannins and boy did this have tannins. It was easily the most tannic wine that I've had in these few weeks, however, I actually like the taste. There was either a blueberry or raspberry flavor that balanced out the tannins. For the body, it seemed slightly light, and it did have a good finish. Maybe it's time I dived into more Cab Savs.

Tasting - Matchbook Tempranillo

Name: Matchbook
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: Dunnigan Hills
State: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $15.19

Winery Review:
"This is a substantial wine with a spicy, lightly herbal aroma and lots of fruit flavors that spread across the palate. It is medium to full-bodied, has a smooth texture and a good dose of raspberry-like acidity that keeps it fresh."

My Review:
I really liked this New World Tempranillo, but I don't have anything to base it off of yet. It was definitely different than most of the other reds I had tasted, but it was similar to the Malbec, in my opinion. It had a light body with a "5 second finish", which is probably on the shorter side, but my comparisons aren't quite there yet. Raspberry and spice flavors were throughout and present in the finish. I thought it was balanced pretty well, but had a little bit of extra acidity. Next I look forward to a Tempranillo from Rioja, hopefully.