Tag Archives: Cabernet Sauvignon

In the valley below

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Not a description I would have originally thought of,  but I agree with one reviewer who called it ‘hefty’


Full.  Fresh.  Earthy.  Oh Yeah!


90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot


At the feet of the majestic Andes Mountains, lies the Intriga Estate,  planted with vines that average of 30 years and give us world-class grapes and wine with excellent structure.      

Pairs very well with mature cheeses and red meats, as well as game  birds and more fatty meats such as duck, lamb or goat.


CABERNET SAUVIGNON – MONTGRAS INTRIGA MAIPO 2017

$24.99 regularly $27.99

14% Alcohol

UPC: 07804407002895

Fast track to Popularity

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In a short period of time Mitolo has become recognized as one of the finest producers in McLaren Vale. They’ve done it because of individuality, and great quality.  There is an evident passion to produce the best possible.  Italian roots bring family traditions to good food and good drink.


The Jester Cab Sauv is bold, tending to tannic, dry and somewhat acidic but it grows on you with each sip. The flavours get more complex as you advance through the bottle.  We opened it about an hour and a half before dinner.  Next time I’ll open it at noon to let it breath more.

It would pair well with roasted lamb, but we settled for sirloins.  I’m also thinking this would go great with pasta.

Mitolo The Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

$21.97 regularly $26.99

14.5 % Alcohol

In Normal Times

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We probably would have saved this for a dinner visit from a South African born lass – but these aren’t normal times, so it got opened for a dinner for two – us. Sorry J.


Roast Chicken or grilled lamb patties were the options. Roast Chicken with sheet pan veggies won out.


The sulphite content was definitely under control, because I didn’t end up with a migraine.  They focused on retaining maximum flavour after the harvest.  Cold settling probably helped a lot here.

It’s rich, concentrated, and very full bodied with a very nice structure.  The finish certainly hangs around to remind you that this is a very nice wine indeed.


Maybe Osso Bucco next time as a pairing?


CABERNET SAUVIGNON – KWV CATHEDRAL CELLAR

$15.49 regularly $18.49

14% Alcohol

UPC: 00748294066110

Light My Fire

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We have bridges to Burn!  

Apparently the brothers were pyromaniacs when younger: graduating from matches to rocket launchers!  Supposedly the Matchbook brand is in memory of fires they once stoked.


The best barrel lots were chosen for the final blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec and 8% Petit Verdot. 2019 Matchbook Cabernet is a showcase of the quality fruit grown in the red gravel soils of Dunnigan Hills (the Northern part of California’s Central Valley).


The wine starts out slightly sweet in taste but the favours become quite intense.  Well structured and smooth finish. This could almost become an everyday Cab for any house.  But drink it all in one sitting because it doesn’t hold up overly well for a second day’s sipping.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON – MATCHBOOK RED GRAVEL DUNNIGAN HILLS 18

$15.99 regularly $19.99

13.9 % alcohol

UPC: 00859551001383

I failed the blind taste test

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My thoughts were that it was from the sun soaked Mediterranean, not South America.


Chicken Pot Pie.  A worthy attempt by someone else doing the baking as we took a night off cooking.  It would have worked well with Pork Chops too.  


The Critics liked this one and there are multiple awards under their belt for it.  Deep in colour, well structured, and it carries right on through with a nice long finish.


The higher up the mountain, the greener grows the grass. And the grapes hang on to their flavour with this easy to drink vino. Touches of Syrah (4%), Carmenere (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%) round out very nicely the Cabernet Sauvignon.  Then a bit of time is spent in French and American Oak.


This is superb value from the Maipo Andes.  Definitely goes on the repeat list.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON – PEREZ CRUZ RESERVA 2017

$16.99

13.5 % Alcohol

UPC: 00858130000014