I'm excited to share with you my new Wine Wednesday project, Brown Bag Taste Test. Every Wednesday three wines of the same variety will go head to head (to head), their identities hidden by the ever-inconspicuous brown paper bag! The wines will always be Washington, and always fifteen dollars or under.
Wines will be sipped, discussed and awarded points based on every first, second and third place vote they receive from myself and guests. Personal preference and overall enjoyment of the wines are the main criteria. After all, the goal is to compile a collection of go-to wines at a reasonable price point.
First up: Cabernet Sauvignon. As I've mentioned before, I struggle with finding a Cab Sauv from Washington that I truly enjoy. They often seem forced, like they were grown and produced for market demand, instead of the result of grape varieties that naturally flourish in our state. With that said, thanks to the amazing folks at Wine World and Spirits, we had some seriously good contenders. Hint: all three are from the Columbia Valley!
Wine No. 1
Our take: Fruit-forward. Not the most complex, but very drinkable.
Wine No. 2
Our take: Lighter bodied, dryer, with more complex flavors. Peppery, moody, perfumed and slightly sour.
Wine No. 3
Our take: Complex, with great balance. Musky, and a touch tart.
The reveal...
No. 1 / Jones of Washington / 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon / $15
No. 2 / Corfini Cellars / 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon / $13
No. 3 / Chateau Smith / 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon / $15
And the winner is ...
Chateau Smith! Admittedly by a slim margin, though it was my personal favorite, and by far the most interesting flavor profile. What are your go-to Washington Cab Sauv's? I would love to hear!
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