The Stonehedge Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon seems to be a Trader Joe’s ($7.99) exclusive bottling produced by Stonehedge Winery of Napa Valley. Stonehedge is a family owned winery that has been making wine for 30 years, this Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon is not listed on their website. Paso Robles is located roughy half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco and the grapes grown and the wines produced there are developing an excellent reputation. The Stonehedge Cab was fermented in stainless steel vats and aged in oak barrels. The alcohol content is 13.5%.

The color is liquid cherry Jello red with black highlights. The nose is dark berries, a little oaky vanilla, raspberry jam and milk chocolate. The mouthfeel is silky and the bright fruit flavors jump out of the glass. It tastes of blueberry, Dr. Pepper, a little regular table pepper, and creamy nougat (like the inside of a 3 Musketeers bar). The mid palate introduces strawberry and a hit from the tannins, which is a nice counter-point to all the fruit. The finish starts out strong but quickly fades.

The Stonehedge Paso Robles Cabernet is a tasty, if somewhat uncomplicated Cab. What you see is what you get, no layers, depth or complexity, but luckily what you see ain’t too shabby. The price is right, it tastes like a young California Cabernet Sauvignon should (more fruit than structure) and it would really add a little class to the usual tuesday night burgers or pizza.