Boasting a powerful flavor profile that screams Cabernet, the 2016 Charles Smith "Substance" Cab is nothing short of a brilliant value!
The wine opens with a generous nose of ripe black cherry, blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, smoky earth and oak spice. On the palate, these tones continue in a rich, vibrant way. What is so remarkable is that the wine never goes over-the-top, remaining balanced and pure while giving everything it has - holding nothing back all the way through the long, lingering, clean finish. Jeb's quote below hits the nail on the head - this Cab tastes like it costs triple the price...
"Just pretend you paid three times the price."
- Jeb Dunnuck, 4/5/2018
We have tasted this wine several times, including once at Charles Smith's facility in Walla Walla. Each time, we were blown away by the purity and power of its expression of Cabernet. Jeb Dunnuck clearly agrees and has written this remarkable 93-point review...
"The largest production cuvée, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon was vinified in tank before being pressed to barrel where it went through malo. Aged 13 months in barrels, its vibrant purple color is followed by a terrific bouquet of blueberries, cassis, scorched earth, and spice. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, this is the real deal, ladies and gentlemen, and it's a no-brainer purchase. Just pretend you paid three times the price. Maturity: 2018 - 2025."
- 93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (4/5/2018)
Finding a wine of this quality at today's price of $13.99 is like finding a Cabernet-flavored unicorn. Make room and buy as much as you can to drink now and over the next five to seven years!
