The Jacob’s Creek wine brand started back in 1976 and was named after a creek in the Barossa Valley, on the banks of which the first commercial vineyard in the region was planted. The grapes in this wine, however, don’t come from the Barossa Valley. Rather, they come from the Coonawarra region, which is south of Barossa Valley and is the southernmost wine region in South Australia. This is a cool region, with a maritime influence, that is known for its cabernet sauvignon.
Coonawarra is also a long ways away from Cincinnati, Ohio (where I’m tasting this wine) and I’m sometimes amazed at the idea that they can ship a bottle of wine from Australia, sell it for about ten bucks and still make a profit. Sometimes the things we take for granted are really pretty amazing when you step back and think about them.
This wine is really bright on the nose, with lively cassis, beet and blackberry aromas. It also has a slight herbal note. The palate is also quite bright, with tangy cherry flavors leading the way and evolving into a plum flavor. The acidity is stellar, making this a wonderful wine to pair with fatty foods. The finish is relatively long and shows cherry and beet flavors. While some cabernet is just big and bold, this one is bright and exciting.
Wine: Jacob’s Creek Coonawarra Reserve
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 13.9%
Rating: 86
Price: $10.99
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.