The Jellybean Cabernet Sauvignon is a non-vintage 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine sourced from vineyards in Spain. You may not think of Spain when you think Cabernet Sauvignon, but the planting of Cab Sauv vines is trending upwards as Spain expands in the global wine market. Also, as a result, some of the indigenous, traditional, local grape varietals are losing their place in Spanish vineyards. The Jellybean brand (part of the Mendocino Wine Company) is meant to be an every day, easy-to-drunk, sub 10 buck wine, with a bit of a twist. Here the twist is…your drinking 100% Spanish Cabernet Sauvignon. I imagine it will far more common in the future but for now, while finding an expensive Spanish Cab isn’t that unique, it is rare in this price range. This Cabernet was aged “lightly” in oak for 4 months and the alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is a bright, see-thru cherry red. The nose is blackberry, oak spice, gum drop candy, strawberry, and dark chocolate. This is a dry, medium-bodied, very easy-to-drink (in a good way) wine. It tastes of a mix of blackberry, Snickers chocolate, and blueberries. The mid-palate adds cherry, licorice, sour cranberry, and an herbal edge. Not a bad flavor profile for a $9 Cab. The tannins are subdued and the acidity is covered by the body of the wine. The finish starts off strong but fades.
The Jellybean Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid patio party wine, it will pair well with the usual burgers and pizza, but it is more of a “let’s have fun” wine. It is nice and soft on the palate and the flavors are not shy. Drink while binge watching old seasons of Game of Thrones to get yourself caught up for season 7, that may be the perfect pairing.
