Benchmark Wines
Criterion Collection Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Coonawarra, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia
2014 opened July 2018. Dry earth, mint, and black cherries on the nose. Pleasant amount of slightly unripe red fruit on the front. Smooth, medium, tannic structure holds it together until the end, with just a hint of puckery tannins going down. This is the first Coonawarra Valley cab that I've had in 20 years. Never been able find them in the US. While this is not the best that Coonawarra puts out, it's very nice, indeed -- and it's a real steal for under $20!
2014 opened July 2018. Dry earth, mint, and black cherries on the nose. Pleasant amount of slightly unripe red fruit on the front. Smooth, medium, tannic structure holds it together until the end, with just a hint of puckery tannins going down. This is the first Coonawarra Valley cab that I've had in 20 years. Never been able find them in the US. While this is not the best that Coonawarra puts out, it's very nice, indeed -- and it's a real steal for under $20!
Jul 7th, 2018
Lovely full bodied wine with bold fruit flavors. An excellent pair with red meat. Acid and tannins don’t overpower the flavors. Does not need to be decanted for long.
Lovely full bodied wine with bold fruit flavors. An excellent pair with red meat. Acid and tannins don’t overpower the flavors. Does not need to be decanted for long.
Jun 30th, 2018
Blackberry, black cherry, and plum. Hints of wood, earth, and black pepper. Medium acidity and tannins. Pleasant and good with food. Not super bold or complex, but decent enough.
Blackberry, black cherry, and plum. Hints of wood, earth, and black pepper. Medium acidity and tannins. Pleasant and good with food. Not super bold or complex, but decent enough.
Mar 15th, 2018Whole Foods. C inky, N plum, cherry, woodsy, slight mint; same taste. Nice acidity and tannins.
Whole Foods. C inky, N plum, cherry, woodsy, slight mint; same taste. Nice acidity and tannins.
Jan 4th, 2018Spicy, pepper, oak, blackberry and plum, some fresh herbs and floral notes.some heat. Taste is dry, fruity with medium high tannins. Some blueberry on the taste along with everything picked up on aroma. Juicy and a little smokey.
Spicy, pepper, oak, blackberry and plum, some fresh herbs and floral notes.some heat. Taste is dry, fruity with medium high tannins. Some blueberry on the taste along with everything picked up on aroma. Juicy and a little smokey.
Dec 21st, 2017At Romeo and Juliet on the Roof at Whole Foods downtown.
At Romeo and Juliet on the Roof at Whole Foods downtown.
Oct 15th, 2017
Dark profile with plums. Great for the price.
Dark profile with plums. Great for the price.
Aug 7th, 2017Blackberry and plum fruit, balanced by strong acidity and medium tannins. A little heat and black pepper. Very good for drinking (or cooking) with strong flavored food. Good value for money too.
Blackberry and plum fruit, balanced by strong acidity and medium tannins. A little heat and black pepper. Very good for drinking (or cooking) with strong flavored food. Good value for money too.
May 20th, 2017