Graffigna Centenario Elevation Red Blend Reserve

Graffigna Centenario Elevation

Red Blend Reserve

Vintage: 2012

San Juan, Argentina

It's no secret I'm a huge fan of wines from Argentina.  Probably a good third of the wines I've reviewed here on Bob's Brew and Liquor Reviews have been from Argentina.  Something about that place is magical... at least for wine making!

So for now, we're looking at reviewing a new wine from Graffigna, their 2012 Centenario Elevation Red Blend Reserve.

Jacob's Creek Red Blend Wine

Jacob's Creek Red Wine Blend

Vintage: 2012

South Eastern Australia

So, this is the second wine from Jacob's Creek that I have officially reviewed, but I'm certain I've tasted a couple others over the last two years since I reviewed their Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir.

If You See Kay Red Wine

If You See Kay

Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine Blend

2010

One True Vine/Hundred Acre Winery

Lazio, Italy

So... here's a wine that's garnered some attention, If You See Kay.  Obviously, the name is a play on words from the lengthy classic James Joyce novel, Ulysses.  The full quote is:

If you see kay      

Tell him he may      

See you in tea      

Tell him from me

An observant reader would notice another four letter word, but hey, it's literature!  What we're really here for is the wine!

Layer Cake Cabernet Sauvignon

Layer Cake Cabernet Sauvignon

2010

Pure Love Wines

California, USA

Amazingly, this is the fourth Layer Cake wine I have reviewed.  

I've already formally reviewed their Primitivo/Zinfandel (2008), Shiraz (2010), and their delicious Malbec (2010).  Well now, it's time for their Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2010 Vintage to be precise.

Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red

Purple Cowboy

Tenacious Red

Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah Blend 

 Vintage: 2010

Origin: California

Paso Robles Appellation

Purple Cowboy.

That's right, Purple Cowboy.

In an extremely juvenile way, I find that name kind of funny.  I almost want to make a Brokeback Mountain reference or tell a dirty joke.  The name just sounds like some sort of innuendo.  Purple Cowboy.  My wife actually didn't believe me at first that this was the wine's real name.  True story.

But, we're here for the drinks.  So, let's get to it.

Purple Cowboy is supposedly named after a group of early California cowboys/winemakers who made dark wine which stained their teeth purple.  I don't know if that's true, but the name certainly gets your attention.  And again, I kind of want to tell a dirty joke.

Anyway, this is the 2010 Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red, a Californian Cabernet-Syrah blend.  It pours a dark purple (imagine that!) and has strong aromas of blackberries, black cherries, and a touch of spice and leather.  Tastings brings sweet cherries, dark fruit, and chocolate followed by an unusually short finish.

This is a confusing wine for me.  It smells dark, luscious, and sinful but tastes very sweet and cherry-forward with a short finish.  Meaning it smells much better than it tastes.  Now there's nothing awful about it and it's certainly quite drinkable, but it tastes kind of ordinary, especially following the delicious aromas.  

So, there you go.  Not bad, not great.  

But perhaps at least, it'll stain your teeth purple so you can throw on your sexy chaps and dance around like a Purple Cowboy.  Or something.

Drink This: if you want a reasonably cheap Cabernet-Syrah blend that tastes of sweet cherries, but smells luscious and dark.

Don't Drink This: if you're not down with the Purple Cowboy.  And I don't really know what I mean by that...

Cheers! 

              

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, 2009, and 2010

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2008, 2009, and 2010

Bodega Catena Zapata

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina

I've been reviewing a  fair bit of wines lately, but who's complaining?!  Not this guy.

It's not too often that I get to taste more than one vintage of the same wine side-by-side.  Apart sure.  But side-by-side? 

Rarely.

Well, today's my lucky day!

  

Here are three vintages of the Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008, 2009, and 2010.  Not too long ago I reviewed the Alamos Torrontes, which I enjoyed quite a bit so I was hoping their Cabernet would fair as well.  Especially since these are easy wines to find just about everywhere.  

Enough talk.  Let's taste these bad boys.

All three pour approximately the same dark magenta color.  The 2008 smells of cherries, currants, and vanilla, with this carrying forward into a palate of sweet, soft cherries, hints of herbs and oak.

The 2009 smells and tastes a bit more vibrant with aromas of black cherry and leather followed by tastes of zesty sour cherries, raspberries, plums, a touch of tobacco and other herbs.

The 2010 has aromas of black cherries and vanilla followed by tastes of raspberries, blackberries, and a bit of nondescript herbs. 

So to sum it all up the 2008 is far and above the sweetest and has a soft, velvety mouthfeel.  The 2009 is tart, zesty, and the liveliest of the bunch.  The 2010, however, is a bit too juicy and flabby ending up kind of boring.  I really enjoyed the 2009, with the 2008 being a decent pour.

Well, there you have it.  And no, there's not a "Drink this/Don't Drink this" report for the review this time since I just don't feel like it... and it's my blog, so there!  

Now I just need to find a bottle of the 2011 Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon...

Cheers!       

 

      

Baker's Dozen Jammy Cabernet Sauvignon

Baker's Dozen

Jammy

Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin: California

Vintage: None

Sweet wines are certainly gaining more popularity, especially if you look at all the new sweet reds and Pink Moscatos in the market.  And hey, there's nothing wrong with that.  It's just a natural shifting of the trends, I suppose.

So, what we have here is another sweet red.  

This is the Baker's Dozen Jammy Cabernet Sauvignon.

Now, with the word jammy on the label, you're not going to buy it expecting a big, dry Cab.  And from a winery like Baker's Dozen, I guess jammy is only fitting.  This is another non-vintaged wine out of California.  I feel as though I've been reviewing a ton of Californian wines lately for some reason, but that's beside the point.  

Okay, enough rambling, let's taste this wine.

The Baker's Dozen Jammy Cabernet Sauvignon pours a moderately dark, yet bright ruby color.  It smells extremely fruit forward with tons of blackberries, strawberries, and vanilla.  Tasting brings forth exactly what you'd expect, a big, jammy mouthful of sweet blackberries, strawberry jam, blueberries, cranberries, and some milk chocolate in the finish.  

This is so juicy and jammy, that it almost doesn't even taste like a Cabernet Sauvignon.  

It's almost as if a sweet desert wine, a standard Cabernet, and a strawberry pie had some sort of drunken menage a trois and this is the resulting love child: the Baker's Dozen Jammy Cabernet Sauvignon.

That being said, it's not awful and it would probably go well with some sort of pie or ice cream, especially if you're in a mood for SUGAR.  But, it's miles away from most Cabernets out there in terms of style.

(*Check out my other Cabernet Sauvignon reviews here.)

Drink This: if you're in the mood for a super sweet, jammy red wine.

Don't Drink This: if you're looking for a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cheers!  

           

Naked Grape Cabernet Sauvignon

Naked Grape

Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape Valley Wine Company

Origin: California

Vintage: None

With a name like The Naked Grape, you know you're going to get attention.  

It's hard not to notice what it says when you're cruising the wine aisles.  It's human nature, I suppose.  

Plus it sounds a bit... naughty.

The name The Naked Grape isn't just for eye-catching the buyer, it's also a description of how their wines are made.  A "naked" wine refers simply to any wine that hasn't been aged in oak, or at least hasn't been aged traditionally.  I reviewed Big House Wine's Unchained Naked Chardonnay (check it out here) and while there wine is also "naked," it is still aged in steel barrels and neutral oak.  So, I guess there's a little bit of wiggle room within the definition.  But regardless, it's not traditionally aged, that's the key. 

The Naked Grape Cabernet Sauvignon pours a deep garnet color and smells of blackberries, blackberries, and more blackberries.  Tastings brings lots of clean, dark fruit flavors, more blackberries (imagine that!), and a hint of black licorice.  The finish is short and still quite fruity.  

This is definitely a very fruity and clean tasting wine.  It's certainly different than many other Cabs and a welcome change of pace from the usual.  In its attempt to bring forth the natural grape flavors, they have succeeded. 

Would I choose this over a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon?  Not likely.  

But like I said, it's a good change from the usual.

Drink This: if you want to taste an unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon full of clean, dark fruit flavors. 

Don't Drink This: if you're looking for a traditional, oaky, tannic Cabernet.  This isn't it.

Cheers!  

  

Cupcake Cabernet Sauvignon

Cupcake Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin: Central Coast of California

Vintage: 2009

Alcohol: 13.5%

It's been awhile since I reviewed any wines from Cupcake Vineyards.  The last one was their Red Velvet wine (follow the link for the review), which I found "oddly alluring and pleasantly drinkable."  And that's no joke.  Even though it's a silly name and concept, the Red Velvet wine is a guilty pleasure of mine.  

I'm man enough to admit it.

But now, we have the Cupcake Cabernet Sauvignon.  Cabernet Sauvignon, of course, being one of the big red wine varieties.  

Who drinks red wine and doesn't enjoy a nice Cabernet?  

That's right, no one.

The 2009 Cupcake Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon pours a dark ruby color and has aromas of cherries and currants.  It tastes like (surprise!) juicy cherries, tart plums, and a hint of vague spice and mocha followed by a sweet, soft tannic finish.

Make no mistake, it's a decent everyday type of Cabernet.  A bit sweet, but hey, it's freaking Cupcake Vineyards.  What do you expect?!  

Personally, I still prefer their Red Velvet over this.  But hey, this isn't bad either.  I look forward to tasting the 2010 vintage soon.

Drink This: if you want a decent, sweet everyday type of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Don't Drink This: if you're looking for a big, burly Cab.

Cheers!         

  

Mad Housewife Cabernet Sauvignon

Mad Housewife

Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin: California

Alcohol: 13.5%

So...

I'm not a housewife.

I'm a man.

BUT in order to drink this wine in the mindset of its intended audience (the disgruntled housewife stuck at home, chasing children, changing diapers, constant crying, laundry, and all that other fun stuff), I decided to pour half the bottle into my glass...  

Yep, HALF THE BOTTLE.  Check out that picture!

That'll improve any tasting!

Alright, so here's another wine obviously targeted toward the female wine drinkers out there (much like the Little Black Dress wines).  And I kind of like the retro housewife picture on the label... in some weird, borderline creepy kind of way.  But, that's another topic altogether.

The Mad Housewife Cabernet Sauvignon is another cheap California wine ($6).  It pours a dark purple and smells of fairly subdued cherries and a hint of nondescript herbs, with a bit of harsh alcohol.  It primarily tastes of black cherry with hints of chocolate and pepper in the finish.  Tannins and oak are not really present here, leaving a soft, short finish.  

Mad Housewife Cabernet Sauvignon is fairly simple and fairly bland, but remarkably easy drinking and I guess when you're a mad housewife, easy-drinking is what you want...

Drink This: if just want to drink red wine.  Granted, there's nothing off-putting or bad about this wine.  It's just simple and easy, which ironically is also how I like my women.  (Just kidding, Honey! I love you!) 

Don't Drink This: if you're looking for a flavorful, complex, or challenging wine.

Cheers to all the mad housewives out there!  Drink up!           

Beringer California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

Beringer

California Collection

Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin: California, USA

 Vintage: 2010

Alright, let's make this short and sweet.  

If you've bought wine just about anywhere in the US (grocery stores, gas stations, wine shops, etc.) you've probably encountered Beringer's wines.

  

They're everywhere. 

And it's not as if they only produce cheap wines either, they have plenty $50+ and even $100+ a bottle wines, but odds are you won't find those in your regular everyday grocery store.  But regardless of their wide array of wines, most people are going to be picking up their lower end bottles simply out of convenience and affordability.  Well, this is the 2010 Beringer's California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon.  This isn't their cheapest offering, it's more like one step up, but still costs under $10 a bottle.  But unlike some of their other, more expensive wines, it doesn't list exact locations in California where the grapes are from, leading me to believe it's a blend from several less prestige California growing locations.  

Regardless....

The 2010 Beringer California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon pours a deep, ruby red and smells predominantly of sweet red berries, raspberries, and a bit of blackberry.  It has flavors of smooth raspberry, vanilla, and a touch of stone, followed by a sweet yet short cherry-like finish that reminds me of those cherry nib Twizzlers candies.  The tannins here are considerably weak.  

This Cabernet Sauvignon is smooth, fairly sweet (not overly so), and drinkable, but unfortunately also not very interesting.  It's considerably better than many other Cabs in the sub $10 a bottle range.  For the price, it's good, not great.  I would certainly drink this on a weekday with a nice piece of red meat or Italian food, but it's not a special occasion wine.

Drink This: if you want a better than average, fairly sweet, sub-$10 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Don't Drink This: if you're looking for a special occasion wine.

Cheers!        

Steak House Cabernet Sauvignon

Steakhouse

Cabernet Sauvignon

Magnificent Wine Company

Vintage: 2009

Origin: Columbia Valley, WA

Alcohol: 13.5%

When strolling through the grocery store, I always see this bottle of wine, but for some reason I've never really given it more than a second glance. Maybe it's the odd label, that to me, actually makes me think it's going to be utter crap.  The label is bold and stands out, but it's not classy in any way and shares nothing that speaks to me as being a tasty wine.  But, of course now you're saying that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, yadda yadda, I understand this.  And maybe I'm becoming a bit pretentious in my boozy mindset, although I rarely drink any wine over $30 a bottle.  So finally, I put my initial reactions aside and picked up a bottle.

This is the 2009 Steak House Cabernet Sauvignon from the Magnificent Wine Company out of Washington. Once I realized that the winery's name was the Magnificent Wine Company, I started to understand why they named their wine "Steak House." They're obviously not the best with coming up with creative or poignant names...

Anyway, this wine pours a dark, dark garnet and is fairly viscious, with surprisingly good legs on the side of the glass. It has aromas of blackberries and plums, that carry over into the taste with more blackberry, dark cherry, dry plums, a touch of pepper and oak, and moderate tannins.

The flavors are a little strong and raw, perhaps too straight-forward, but honestly this is pretty much a stereotypical good (not great) Cabernet Sauvignon. Nothing is striking or remarkable here, but it's a good Cab, especially at the $9-10 price point.  Better than I was expecting.  I'd drink this with a fat, juicy grilled ribeye most definitely.  

Sawtooth Snake River Valley Skyline Red Wine

Sawtooth

Skyline Red Wine

Snake River Valley

Nampa, Idaho

Vintage: 2006

When most people think of Idaho, they think of potatoes and wildlife... or if you're a liquor geek, then maybe you think of potato vodka.  Or maybe you're awesome and think of Napoleon Dynamite (yes, it was filmed in the glorious middle of nowhere, Idaho).  But amazingly, even though Idaho looks like this 8 out of 12 months:

 

...the Sawtooth Winery is still able to somehow grow several grape varietals.  Granted they are in Nampa, a warmer part of the state, but still, who would have thought that growing wine in Idaho would be a good idea.  Certainly not me.

This is the Sawtooth Winery's Skyline Red blend, the 2006 vintage to be exact.  From what I have read, it changes quite a bit in composition each year.  The 2006 is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Syrah, 8% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc.  In theory it sounds like it's going to be a great blend, but... maybe not so much.

It pours a dark, brownish ruby red.  It has aromas of dark fruits, prunes, black cherry that carry into the palette much like you'd expect: more dark fruits, cherry, raspberry, raisin, a touch of spice, and something oddly sour and herbal that lingers in the finish (almost like a combination of bay leaf and cilantro).  The tannins are light to moderate.

Overall, this is an interesting wine, if not a touch lighter than I would prefer, but the weird, lingering finish doesn't quite set well with me.  Perhaps my bottle was corked, I don't know.  I will try this again if I get the chance and update this post with the findings.  If this is the way the winemaker intended it, then sorry, I'm not a fan.  

If you want something from Idaho, I suggest sticking to the potatoes, vodka, elk, and venison.  And oh yeah, there's some decent beer, too.  There are probably a few good reasons why Idaho isn't wine country...

Drink This: if, well no, I wouldn't recommend it, at least if my bottle wasn't corked and this is how it was supposed to taste.  I actually used the second half of my bottle to cook a tasty marinara with.

Don't Drink This: exactly.       

 

Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon

Gnarly Head

"Cab"

Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2009

Origin: California

Alcohol: 14.5%

If you'd read through some of my wine reviews, it becomes pretty apparent that I am a red wine lover.  The bigger and darker the red, the better!  So, if you're looking for a lot of white wine reviews, you may have to look elsewhere.  Okay, I do occasionally enjoy a white wine, but to me, they're more of a spring/summer type of drink.  Anyway, enough chatter, let's get to the topic at hand: WINE.

For now, we are looking at the Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2009 vintage to be exact.  This is another big and boozy California red from the Central Valley.  They are called "Gnarly Head" because they focus on old vines, which of course, tend to produce less grapes per cluster, yet with more flavor.  

The 2009 Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon pours a dark, dark ruby red.  It has distinct cranberry and raspberry aromas.  These cranberry and raspberry notes carry into the palette where they are forefront, full, dark and juicy.  There's a touch of black cherry, pepper, and oak in the finish.  The tannins linger, moderately strong, but that's expected for a Cab.

I can't say this is my favorite Cabernet Sauvignon, but it's actually pretty good and well above many similarly priced Cabs.  I would buy this again, but next time I'll have it with a big ol' ribeye steak served rare.  That would be a great pairing... hmmm... 

Drink This: if you want an above average Cabernet Sauvignon in the sub-$15 price range.

Don't Drink This: if you're looking for a super complex, highly tannic Cab.  This one is fairly straightforward, yet exactly as a Cabernet should be.       

Root: 1 Cabernet Sauvignon

Root: 1

Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2009
85% Cabernet Sauvignon
15% Syrah

Origin: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Alcohol: 14%

Well, here we have another of the big reds, a Cabernet Sauvignon.  This particular bottle is the 2009 vintage Cab from Root: 1, which is made by the Viña Ventisquero winery out of Chile.  The grapes in this were grown high in the Colchagua Valley where the landscape is steep and rocky.  It is reported that it didn't rain a single time during the growing season for this vintage, which some believe makes the grapes more full-flavored due to them compensating for the harsher conditions.  And yes, that makes sense, but I don't know if it necessarily makes a better wine in the end.

Anyway, this 2009 Root: 1 Cabernet blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah, with Syrah of course being the lighter, spicier version of Shiraz (they are the same grape, after all).  This wine pours a dark ruby and has aromas of black cherry, plum, and mocha.  On the palette, it has more notes of cherry, blackberry, and a touch of oak.  It is full-bodied, with medium tannins and acidity.

While this is a decent Cabernet Sauvignon, there's nothing that really stands out here.  It is easy-drinking, relatively smooth, and pretty straightforward.  There's nothing remarkable or all that interesting about it.  Well, except the bottle art.  The artwork is pretty cool.  

Drink This: if you want a straightforward, easy-drinking, typical Cabernet Sauvignon with a cool looking bottle. 

Don't Drink This: if you want a complex or challenging Cabernet.  This is about as straightforward as they come.  It's not bad, but just kind of plain at the $10-12 price point.  Interestingly enough though, this is one of the best-selling Chilean wines.  I guess because it's entirely unoffensive and easy-drinking.      

Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon

Ghost Pines 

Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2008

Origin: California

68% Napa County

32% Sonoma County

Alcohol: 13.9%

For some reason, I hardly ever formally review Cabernet Sauvignon.  That's not to say I don't drink it, but for some reason I don't feel compelled to review them.  Which is odd considering that when many people think of red wine, they think Cabernet.  Well, now you're in luck.  I have a whole lot of Cabernet Sauvignons (and other random reds, not just Malbecs like I tend to prefer) that I've tasted/sampled recently that are in the works for formal reviews.

So for now, we are looking at the 2008 Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend from Napa and Sonoma Counties in California.  The thing I notice first is of course the label art.  Ghost Pines sticks out not only on the store shelf, but also amongst my other bottles.  I have to say, I love this label.  The trees in the fog, the colors, all of it matching the name of the vineyard.  I love it.  This wine pours an inky purple and has rather subtle aromas of blackberries, plums, and oak.  The tastes on the palette confirm the nose, with frontal notes of dark fruit, blackberries, strong oak, and a touch of coffee in the finish.  This wine is full-bodied for sure, but the tannins are merely moderate, despite my assumptions that they would be quite strong.  

Ghost Pines Cab is full of dark fruit, but has enough drier oak and coffee notes to keep it from being too jammy and fruity.  This is a good Cabernet Sauvignon that verges on great for the price, $12-15.

Drink This: if you want a solid Cabernet Sauvignon.  If you can find it for $10 or under, BUY IT, you won't be disappointed at that price.  Plus the label art looks awesome...

Don't Drink This: if you are looking for a dry Cabernet Sauvignon.  This is definitely fruity, but not overtly sweet and jammy like others I've had.            

Francis Coppola Claret

Francis Coppola

Black Label Claret

Diamond Collection

Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Vintage: 2009

Origin: California

Alcohol: 13.5%

I'm sure most of you have seen The Godfather movies and Apocalypse Now.  They're classics.  But, did you realize that the guy who directed those movies, Francis Ford Coppola, also owns a winery?  And a great one at that?  It's true.  And while this isn't as surprising as someone like the singer for Tool owning a winery (yes, Maynard James Keenan does own a winery), it's still interesting nonetheless. 

Francis Coppola owns his own winery, but he's also produced 73 films, directed 33, but who knows how many he's written and done other things with since the 70's.  And while movies may be his main focus and love, it's clear that he cares a great deal about his wine.  

The Francis Ford Coppola winery makes a whole host of great California wine including just about every major varietal and few lesser known ones.  They also have several different lines ranging from basic table wines to the Diamond Collection to limited production releases.  Apparently the head wine maker Corey Beck likes a whole lot of variety in the types of wine he makes.  

For now, I am looking at the 2009 Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret.  The term "Claret" was originally a British term used to describe Cabernet Sauvignon blends, like Bordeaux for example.  This particular one is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 3% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.  The Claret is actually the Francis Coppola Winery's signature red wine... and for good reason.  It's delicious.  The Claret pours a dark garnet and has aromas of complex dark fruit and cherry.  On the palette I got more of the cherry flavor, pomegranate, some dry berries, the mildest touch of oak and cocoa, and a bit of white pepper in the finish.  The tannins are moderate, but still rather tame.  

Overall, this was a very smooth, tasty, drinkable wine.  This is the kind of wine that you could easily drink several glasses of in one sitting and still be pleased with its flavor and balance.  I can't really see anyone finding anything wrong with it, especially in its price range.  It's no wonder this is the Francis Ford Coppola Winery's signature red.  I may have to pick up a couple more bottles.

Anyway, go check out the Francis Coppola Winery's Facebook page, Twitter, and website.  Tell them Bob sent ya'!

Drink This: if you want a tasty, extremely drinkable Cabernet Sauvignon blend.  

Don't Drink This: if you don't like red wine.  If you do like red wine, there's really no reason not to try it.  There's nothing challenging or off-putting about this wine at all.  It's a great blend.

Cheers!          

2009 Big House: The Usual Suspect - Cabernet Sauvignon

 

2009 Big House: The Usual Suspect -

Cabernet Sauvignon

90% Cabernet Sauvignon

10% Grenache

Origin: California

Alcohol: 13.5%

Cabernet Sauvignon has become one of the biggest, most popular red wine varieties EVER.  So it's only logical that a company like Big House Wines would take their stab at it.  Big House Wines is a company that makes great wine, but like I said in my review of their "Naked" Chardonnay, they don't worry about taking themselves too seriously which is, well, a good change of pace.

Big House's Cabernet Sauvignon contains 10% Genache which really helps to liven things up.  It pours a dark maroon, almost purple.  It has aromas of dark toasted plums, vanilla, and a touch of spice.  You sip and get the suspected plum notes, dark blackberries, and a touch of coffee and dark chocolate in the finish.  The tannins are moderately drying, but pretty balanced.  This wine is VERY drinkable, so beware.

Drink This: if you want a lively Cabernet Sauvignon for really quite the bargain ($10 and under).  This comes in standard 750 mL bottles, but I honestly suggest their 3L size since you will likely be drinking quite a bit of this. 

Get this 3L one!

Don't Drink This: if you want a "fancy" red wine.  The cartoon label should tell you loudly enough that this wine isn't pretentious, but it certainly is drinkable and tasty...