Lancewood Cabernet Sauvignon ~$9 (~7 on sale)

Here’s an instance of why reading labels is tricky but is likewise very important.

The grapes in this Cabernet Sauvignon are from the Barossa  Zone rather than the more prestigious Barossa Valley appellation, which is a specific entity within the Barossa Zone.  At least that’s my best guess.  If the grapes (at least 85% percent of them, at any rate) came from the Barossa Valley, surely that would be indicated on the label.  At any rate, you shouldn’t consider this wine in the ranks of Barossa Valley heavyweights such as Penfolds or Peter Lehmann, either geographically or stylistically.

Speaking of style, the Lancewood 2007 Cab is, in a word, underwhelming.  In the glass the color is a surprisingly translucent purple, more like a Beaujolais than a Cab.  The 12.5% ABV, lightweight for a Cab, is another indicator of something less than robust.  The nose offers mild aromas of blackberry and raspberry jam and a bit of sweet cinnamon.  The first impression in the mouth is of a moderately fruit-forward and sweet red.  The flavor profile is fairly simple, featuring blackberry and hints of mocha and mint.  The tannins are quite soft and the whole experience is over in a hurry.

That’s not to say that it’s a bad experience, just an insubstantial one.  True, the wine is only around $9, but if Fresh & Easy wines demonstrate one thing, it’s that there’s more bang to be had for that many bucks.

Score

Drinkability: 5/10
Price: 3/5
Total value: 8/15