January 10, 2023
20-Buck Bottle: A ripe, affordable California cabernet
We suggest you grab a case of this one
by Anita Skogland
2021 Ultraviolet Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills AVA, California
Available at: Assorted Table Wine Shop, The Market at Seventh Street
Price: $16.99
On The Nose: Blueberry, violets, hints of clove and plum
On The Palate: Medium body, balanced tannin, well integrated alcohol (14%), blackberry
On The Plate: Pair with burgers, ribs, charcuterie, pizza, lasagna
Our Take: 95 percent cabernet sauvignon, 5 percent cabernet franc, and very drinkable now — this is a real find as many California cabernets at this price are weedy, tannic, or not very drinkable. Get a case!
Fun Fact: The wine maker is Samantha Sheehan. She has been lauded by numerous publications as a winemaker to watch. The vineyards are in The Red Hills AVA, which is just north of Napa Valley in Lake County on the northern edge of the Mayacamas Mountains. This region has a large component of lava gravel in the soil. The soil drains quickly in this dry region. Cabernet sauvignon does not like wet roots, so this is an ideal climate for this grape.
