Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon

Ghost Pines 

Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2008

Origin: California

68% Napa County

32% Sonoma County

Alcohol: 13.9%

For some reason, I hardly ever formally review Cabernet Sauvignon.  That's not to say I don't drink it, but for some reason I don't feel compelled to review them.  Which is odd considering that when many people think of red wine, they think Cabernet.  Well, now you're in luck.  I have a whole lot of Cabernet Sauvignons (and other random reds, not just Malbecs like I tend to prefer) that I've tasted/sampled recently that are in the works for formal reviews.

So for now, we are looking at the 2008 Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend from Napa and Sonoma Counties in California.  The thing I notice first is of course the label art.  Ghost Pines sticks out not only on the store shelf, but also amongst my other bottles.  I have to say, I love this label.  The trees in the fog, the colors, all of it matching the name of the vineyard.  I love it.  This wine pours an inky purple and has rather subtle aromas of blackberries, plums, and oak.  The tastes on the palette confirm the nose, with frontal notes of dark fruit, blackberries, strong oak, and a touch of coffee in the finish.  This wine is full-bodied for sure, but the tannins are merely moderate, despite my assumptions that they would be quite strong.  

Ghost Pines Cab is full of dark fruit, but has enough drier oak and coffee notes to keep it from being too jammy and fruity.  This is a good Cabernet Sauvignon that verges on great for the price, $12-15.

Drink This: if you want a solid Cabernet Sauvignon.  If you can find it for $10 or under, BUY IT, you won't be disappointed at that price.  Plus the label art looks awesome...

Don't Drink This: if you are looking for a dry Cabernet Sauvignon.  This is definitely fruity, but not overtly sweet and jammy like others I've had.