Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 California. $12.00 for 1.5 Liters (Red Wine)
I feel I must disclose that I haven’t found very many Cabernet Sauvignons that I didn’t like.
I know; I spread myself too thin.
Emotional issues aside, I have to say that one of the things I like most about Cabernet Sauvignon is that its got a wonderful tannin presence that really grips your tongue and makes you notice it. You can’t just casually sip most Cabernet Sauvignons and gaze vaguely at the bottle, wondering what exactly it is you’re drinking. No. A good Cabernet Sauvignon makes you pause after the first sip and give it a little consideration.
Now, I need to be honest: I tried this Cabernet a few weeks ago with no food at all and found that I had to give it too much consideration as the flavors and tannins were a bit overpowering. At that time, I made a note that this might be the case because I did not have any food to go along with it.
Not one to be deterred, I tried the Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon again, but this time, with some cold cuts and cheese.
Before taking a sip, I gave it a good sniff to see if I could distinguish any particular aromas. I was hoping I could impose an impressive soliloquy on its nose of smelt rubber and hints of durian or something. Alas, all I could really distinguish was a dark, fruity aroma wafting from the glass, along with a slight burn of alcohol.
I took a sip. The taste was thick in tannins and deep. Maybe just a little peppery and with a zing of mild to medium acidity. I also noticed a general flavor of black currants.
Overall, this time, I thought the Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon was pleasantly layered and complex and went very well with my tasty snacks. It had a presence to it that one generally encounters in a bit pricier wines, I think. And, it didn’t have that vegetable smell and flavor that I’ve unfortunately encountered in other similarly priced Cabs.
It was dark and bold and … firm.
Bottom line? The Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely a great wine to go along with meats and cheeses, but I wouldn’t recommend it for sipping without any accompaniments. The rich flavors and tannins need something to cling to and might otherwise overpower your tongue if it’s all by it’s lonesome self.
So, give it some company!
wine’s website: www.woodbridgewines.com