Wine Tasting: Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Central Valley

Country: Chile

Year: Not labeled

Price: $4.99

Review found online: On vivino.com, one reviewer stated that this wine was a little sweet, with lots of vanilla and black cherry as well as noticeable oak. They also said it would be really good if it were a bit drier and had some more depth. 

Wine Folly references: As described in Wine Folly, Cabernet Sauvignon has a rich flavor and high tannin content, and these wines are concentrated and age-worthy (p. 88). Cabernet Sauvignon also has a full body, medium-high alcohol, medium acidity, and low sweetness. 

My review: I would rate this wine a 7.5/10. This wine was very affordable, so I didn't have very high expectations, but it was pretty good and had a lot of depth to it. I first noticed a dark chocolatey flavor, as well as deep berry flavors and a little woodiness. My experience was definitely similar to the online reviewers'. It also smelled very "perfumey" with a fragrant sweet smell, which, in hindsight, could have been vanilla or cherry. I tried this with rosemary crackers and a Vermont sharp cheddar. It brought out the sweetness and freshness of the wine without them overpowering each other. I loved this pairing and would try it again.