When you’re into bargain-priced wines, it’s good to find some reliable names. While one of the fun things about wine is trying different ones—since the number of options is nearly limitless—sometimes you’re in a rush, or you don’t feel like mulling over the options and you want to just grab a bottle you know will be OK. Irony has become one of those brands for me. It’s reasonably priced, it’s always good, sometimes it’s great, but it’s never let me down.
This cabernet is no exception. While it’s not mind-blowing, it’s still pretty darn good. And unique enough to stand out from the crowd of average cheap cabernet on the shelf.
The nose of this wine has a somewhat subtle intensity, but offers light aromas of cedar, black currant, tobacco and black cherry. The palate is soft and approachable, with black cherry and plum flavors up front. The mid-palate and finish bring a little bit of black licorice into the mix. There’s also a tarragon note on the finish, so break out this one with the bernaise sauce. The acidity is sufficient and the tannins are moderate. It’s not as big and jammy as a lot of California cabernet sauvignons.
Wine: Irony Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 14.5%
Rating: 86
Price: $12.00
Find Irony Cabernet Sauvignon with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.