Tasting: Bonterra Organically Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Bonterra Organically Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety of Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon (dominant), Petite Sirah, Malbec

Region/Country of Origin: California, USA

Vintage Year: 2019

Price: $16

Winery Tasting Notes: Petite Sirah and Malbec add a touch of color, texture and spice to this Cabernet Sauvignon-focused blend. A brilliant dark garnet hue hints at the wine’s powerful aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry and plum, layered over rich notes of leather, tobacco and graphite. This well-structured, medium-bodied Cabernet delivers elegant tannins, pleasing acidity and a lingering finish (wine.com, 2022).

Wine Folly Notes: Wine Folly describes Cabernet Sauvignon as full body, very tannic, and minimally sweet, which made sense to me since I was able to feel the wine, as described in the Wine IQ video on body. Cabernet Sauvignon is also described as the “world’s most popular wine” with black cherry, black currant, cedar, baking spices, and graphite notes. I understand why it is so popular and could taste the cherry in Bonterra’s wine. Considering that the recommended amount to spend on a bottle is about $20, I think the $16 mark was good. I am curious to try Cabernet Sauvignon from France and Spain since those are two other very common places that produce it. Finally, since I did not have this wine with food, I want to try it with “rich grilled meats, peppery sauces, and dishes with high flavor” as Wine Folly recommends (e-text, pg. 223-224).

My Review: I enjoyed this wine and would purchase it again! I have noticed that I tend really gravitate towards Cabernet Sauvignon for red wine. When I sniffed the wine, I sensed the berry, cherry, and plum. After tasing it, I could tell it was dry and fruity since the berry and plum really shined through but was not too sweet. Given that the alcohol content was 14.2%, this made sense to me. There was also a slight spice to it from the black pepper note. After reading the description I could understand how vanilla also played a part in the wine, but I did not immediately sense it. I enjoyed the wine on its own, without food.