🇺🇸 Wine Review: Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (California) 🍷🍷🍷🍷

Whenever one of the more popular wines we sell goes on sale, I make it a point to pick a bottle up and give it a try. I'm often asked about particular wines while folks are shopping and I love to offer first-hand reviews to better educate my customers. Dark Horse is a popular brand here in the States, offering several varietals including Chardonnay and a Red Blend. On sale for just $6.99 a bottle, it was light on the wallet, to be sure...

Featuring their iconic trademark Horse head with a wine glass inlay on the label, I find the simplicity of the artwork refreshing if not completely contrary to many of the intricate wine labels out there these days. And yet, this wine is not simple.

The reverse label is equally simplistic, offering a simple statement of the wine's character and an invitation to try and comment of their product. I found their characterization of this vintage to be spot on.

Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, jammy vino with strong fruit flavors. Featuring predominately cherry, there is a strong blackberry flavor that runs underneath, establishing a rich, smooth flavor that does not disappoint. Tannins are strong and yet not harsh. The velvety finish hints at cocoa and spice; a depth that is quite remarkable for this 'standard option' wine that is admittedly a mass market offering.

The nose is full fruit; the coloring a dark purple. Both present accurately the tastes within and well prepare the mouth for what is to come.

This varietal can be paired with red meats, in particular, given the bold flavors. I enjoyed it with steak (no surprise there, folks) and it well complimented the potatoes and vegetables, as well.

I'm giving Darkhorse CabSav a four glass rating both for taste and value! 🍷🍷🍷🍷

Link to the winery in Modesto, California: http://www.darkhorsewine.com/wines/cabernet-sauvignon

Links to a review by Wine Enthusiast: http://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/dark-horse-2013-cabernet-sauvignon-other

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Cheers!