The 2009 Avalon California Cabernet Sauvignon is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and 8% Zinfandel sourced from vineyards located in 41% Lodi, 26% Mendocino County, 18% Santa Barbara County and 5% San Antonio Valley, with a small amount of the Merlot coming from a premium vineyard in Alexander Valley in Sonoma. The wine was aged for 14 months in French and American oak barrels. The alcohol content is 13.8% and it received 87 points from Robert Parker.
The color is a deep dark black cherry red. The nose is black and blueberries, toasty vanilla, coffee and dark chocolate. Jammy cherry and blueberry upfront along with Snickers chocolate, the mid palate shows french vanilla, strawberry and caramel. The tannins are very smooth and the oak is well integrated. The finish is dark berries and caramel and is strong, but a little short.
The Avalon California Caberent Sauvignon is tasty wine that favors the jammy, chocolate, soft and smooth side of California Cabernet Sauvignon. A well made, everyday, pizza and burger wine at a good price.
