The 2012 Milestone Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from vineyards in more than one California grape growing AVA. Milestone Winery is one of Constellation Brands 121 different wine labels, Constellation is the largest wine producer in the world, their labels include Ravenswood, Robert Mondavi, Toasted Head and Kim Crawford. Milestone Wines were created by Brian Syrett, whose goal was to produce everyday wines with a little bit extra. These wines should be available for around ten bucks (I found it for $9.99). The Milestone Cab is a medium-dry wine and the alcohol level is 13%.
The color is black cherry red with a pink to almost clear halo. The nose is blackberry and plums, with a hint of spice and a little vanilla bean. This is a soft and supple Cabernet Sauvignon with a satiny mouthfeel and ripe, full flavors. It starts with blackberry, black cherry, a soft slap of Altoids’ spice and a hint of cold espresso. The mid-palate adds some tart cranberry and a slight tug from the tannins which is welcome, but unexpected in a $10 Cabernet Sauvignon (this wine has some solid Cabernet structure). The finish is bold and lengthy.
The 2012 Milestone Cabernet Sauvignon does exactly what it sets out to do, it is an easy drinking, lush, ripe, inexpensive Red wine that gives a you more diversity of flavor and structure than your typical ten buck California Cabernet. While not layered and complex, it offers up a satisfying glass of wine at a bargain price. It can be easily paired with burgers, BBQ and pizza, but is in its sweet spot as a back porch sipping wine.
