Grizzly Bear Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Name: Grizzly Bear

Colour: Red

Country: USA

Region: Central Valley, California

Year: 2007

Producer: Zimmermann-Graeff & Mueller

Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 13%

Purchase Price: £3.33 (£10 for 3 offer, Sainsburys)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – A full-bodies red wine with masses of plum and blackcurrant flavours, finished with toasty oak and subtle chocolate notes. Excellent with steak or roast dinner.

Somnambulist's verdict: I don’t often choose Cab Sav varietals especially not at the bargain-basement end but somehow this found its way into the shopping trolley and I’m very pleased it did. This is a very quaffable red, loads of fruity flavours (I’d add cherries to the black fruits mentioned above) with a smooth long finish. I have no idea how a Mosel weingut ends up bottling Californian reds but it doesn’t really matter – at 3 bottles for a tenner I am filling the cellar with this excellent everyday drinker.

Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Name: Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon
Colour: Red
Country: USA
Region: Napa Valley
Year: 2005
Producer: Woodbridge Winery by Robert Mondavi
Grape Varieties: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, complementary varieties incl. Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 13.5%

Purchase Price: EUR 28.00 (restaurant)

Notes:
Maker’s notes – Lush aromas and velvety texture envelop vibrant dark fruit flavors. Briary blackberry character mingles with complex violet, cola and spices nuances. Smooth, elegant style.

Somnambulist's verdict: Reminded me of cherry tarts for some reason. Which is weird as I don't really eat cherry tarts. Throw in a pepper edge on the nose, some black cherries and a fair bit of acidity. Easy drinking, and not much in the way of complexity. Wouldn't search it out...