Hello Wine-Loving friends! This week, we are going to explore a Cabernet Sauvignon because we have to spread the love amongst all the wine types. (You’ll notice I’m taking my time on getting to the white wines… I’ll have to be honest and tell you that they’re really not my thing, but we will get there eventually, I promise.)

So we are taking a short break from Merlots for now and moving on to Cabs. There is no rhyme or reason to which wines I select weekly (except price)- but if you have a request, leave it in the comments below and I’ll get on that. So without further adieu…

In this 3rd edition of Wine and Lavender’s segment, Wine of the Week (WOTW), we will explore:

WOTW3: Emerald Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

HEB Price: $8.48 Reg. Price (I got it on sale at HEB for $7.98)

Sight: This red seems to be a little on the lighter side in color and substance than most Cabs I’ve tried. Light bodied, then? And then there’s the screw top… I’m already a little apprehensive about it because of the screw top. We’ve talked before about how cork has been the go-to for hundreds of years and… if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Smell: I was sure to let the wine breathe for a little in the glass, but when I went to take a sniff, the fumes traveled up my nose, hit the back of my throat, and shot down my esophagus. This wine smells “a little” strong. It’s not as overbearing as some of the wine I’ve reviewed in the past, but still strong nonetheless. If that’s your thing, this might be your wine. Pretty sure a lot of people don’t like that, though.

Taste/First Impression: My first sip or two was sweet, light and smooth. I was waiting for a bitter ending, but it didn’t come. This made me think that the wine tasted just as it looked- light and sweet and it wasn’t too bad.

After taste: After about 1/2 a glass in, though, I felt it leaving a bad aftertaste in my mouth. This after taste wasn’t very pleasant and seemed to linger. It reminded me of the 80’s, and having accidentally gotten some AquaNet hairspray in my mouth.

The Experience: Between the fumes and the aftertaste (at only 1/2 a glass in), I feel like I smell like a drunk who’s been on a drinking spree. The fumes and lingering aftertaste feel too strong- and I feel it all coming out of my breath and seeping out of my nose. It’s not exactly what I like, and I’m surprised because the initial taste was light and sweet.

The Next Day: I was fine the next day, but I attribute that to the fact that I could not drink this wine. I didn’t overindulge because, well… it wasn’t very good.

The Label: “This wine exhibits black cherry, toasted almonds, and chocolate notes.” While I like all of these things separately, I apparently hate them mixed all together, in my wine. This was the only description on the label about this wine. (Perhaps they already know it’s not that good?). Instead of talking more about the Cabernet, the label embellished on sustainability and responsible wine-making practices- which I’m all for, but I’m also all for good wine, so…

Repeat: I will not be buying this wine again. I did not care for it at all. I’ve never had faith in screw top wines and am starting to think that my opinion is justified. Both of the screw tops wines that I’ve reviewed to date have had the same issue- fumes.

Rating: I’ve had worse (yes- that IS possible), so I am giving this bottle a 1 1/2. 

Looking for some other recommendations? See other wines I’ve reviewed here (there are some good ones in there!)

Have you tried this wine before? What were your thoughts?

Pam

Pamela is a Freelance Writer, Blogger, WAHM of 3, and Veteran Military Wife living in Southwest Texas. Raised in the Northeast and having lived a few years in the Pacific Northwest, she likes to write about mom life, parenting, frugal living, experiences, and WINE. (Lots of wine!) When she’s not busy chasing toddlers around, you can find her on the blog or on social media. Check her out on Instagram: instagram.com/wineandlavender