Mention value Cabernet and my inner bargain hunter stands alert – could this $20 offering stand up to Napa counterparts four times the cost? Hailing from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, an appellation gaining traction for vibrant, fruit-driven wines, Gabrielle Ashley’s 2020 vintage intrigued my palate.
| Exact Wine Name: Gabrielle Ashley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Producer: Precision Brand Collection Wine + Spirit Country/Region of Origin: United States, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County Grape Varietal(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Type: Red wine Style: Dry Vintage Year: 2020 Classification Status: Non-classified Retail Price Range: $17.99 – $30.67 USD (depending on retailer) ABV: 14.5% |
True to its regional roots, aromas of juicy blackberry, plum and traces of oak leap eagerly from the glass. Further swirling unveils leather, pine needle and black pepper hints that promise depth beneath the abundant fruit. At first sip, the palate bursts with ripe blackberry and currant, framed by muscular tannins aiming to balance that fruit-forward vim. Mid-palate, notes of cedar and tobacco emerge leading to a long, slightly herbal finish. But do those layers justify the price tag? I dig deeper into this wallet-friendly Cabernet’s highs and lows.
Gabrielle Ashley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Review
Okay, let’s get deep and personal with this Gabrielle Ashley Cabernet 2020. After an evening of swirling, sniffing, and sipping, here’s the nitty-gritty:
First Impressions: A Feast for the Eyes
Positives
- Bold and expressive flavors: This Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a punch of juicy dark fruit, spice, and oak, making it a satisfying choice for wine lovers who enjoy a full-bodied style.
- Good value for money: With a price tag under $20, the Gabrielle Ashley Cabernet Sauvignon offers excellent quality for its price point.
- Versatile food pairing: Pairs well with a variety of hearty dishes, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Negatives
- May be too bold for some palates: The full-bodied style and firm tannins may not be to everyone's taste.
- No notable awards: While receiving good reviews from users, the 2020 vintage has not yet garnered any major awards.
Breakdown
- Drinkability 4.0/5
- Food pairing 3.5/5
- Value for money 4.5/5
- Personal preference 4.0/5
This Cab grabs you by the eyeballs before you even take a sniff. It’s a stunner: deep, inky purple at the heart, bleeding out to ruby streaks at the rim. Swirling sends legs of rich, viscous wine crawling down the glass, promising a heady experience. It’s like gazing into a swirling nebula, dark and seductive, full of secrets waiting to be unraveled.
Aromatic Explosion: Fruit Feast with Earthy Twists
Close your eyes. Inhale. BAM! This Cabernet hits you like a fruit bomb, but not your average fruity wine. Imagine sinking your teeth into a sun-warmed blackberry patch, then chasing it with plum preserves drizzled with vanilla bean. But wait, there’s more! Violet petals flutter by, adding a touch of floral elegance, while the earthiness of leather and sagebrush grounds the experience. It’s like diving into a wild berry bramble after a summer storm, the air still buzzing with the sweet scent of rain and wildflowers.
Palate Play: Sweet, Spice, and Tannic Tango
On the tongue, it’s a full-bodied tango of ripe blackberry, currant, and dark plum, juicy and bursting with sunshine. Black pepper peeks through, adding a playful kick, like a tiny spark amidst the fruit orchestra. Then, the tannins strut onto the scene, muscular and grippy, providing structure and keeping the sweetness in check. They’re like the wise elders in the berry bramble, ensuring things don’t get too out of hand. Mid-palate, cedar and tobacco notes add complexity, a whisper of an old library nestled amongst the vines. The finish is long and slightly herbal, like the lingering scent of sun-dried blackberry leaves, but with a hint of pine resin adding an unexpected twist.
Balance Act: Fruit Takes Center Stage
This Cab leans fruit-forward, no doubt about it. The blackberry and plum are the rockstars, dominating the show with their vibrant presence. The tannins and oak are like the supporting cast, playing important roles but never quite stealing the spotlight. It’s a delicious imbalance, though. You may be left craving a bit more harmony between the elements, especially with a bit of age. But hey, for the price, who’s complaining? This is a full-throttle fruit party, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Pairings for Bold Adventurers
This Cab screams for fearless food pairings. Think grilled red meat, seared to perfection and dripping with juices. A rib-eye steak becomes a symphony of savory flavor when paired with this wine, while lamb chops seasoned with rosemary find their soulmate in the Cabernet’s earthy depths. Don’t shy away from wild game either; the Cab’s boldness can handle the richness of venison or boar. And to finish, don’t forget the cheese! Aged cheddar or a salty Parmesan will stand up to the fruit and tannins, creating a satisfying contrast.
The Verdict: A Delicious Enigma
The 2020 Gabrielle Ashley Cabernet Sauvignon is an enigma wrapped in a juicy blackberry and drizzled with a hint of oak. It’s delicious, undeniably so, but it leaves you wanting more, wondering what it could be with a bit of time and age. It’s a wine for adventurers, for those who appreciate bold flavors and unexpected twists. So, uncork a bottle, throw caution to the wind, and see where this fruit-driven Cabernet takes you. You might just discover your next favorite budget-friendly adventure.
