ThePanilonco Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
, is a $4.99 Trader Joe’s exclusive sourced from vineyards in the Colchagua Valley, Chile. The Colchagua Valley is located in the southern end of the Rapel Valley in Chile’s Valle Central and is known for having ideal soil and climate to grow Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Panilonco is one of Vinedos Marchigue’s labels which in turn is owned by Vina Errazuriz, a high-end family owned winery. The alcohol content is 13%.
The color is black cherry red. The nose is dark fruit, fresh cut wood, but I doubt if this wine saw much oak aging, menthol and Wrigley’s spearmint gum, kind of a nuanced nose for a 5 buck wine. This Cabernet has a very smooth, fairly full mouthfeel. It tastes of blackberry, plum, a light touch of bitter chocolate and vanilla. Not complicated, but not one dimensional either. The mid palate adds a slight rough edge from the tannins, along with a late splash of Cran-cherry juice. The acidity is on the mild side and the finish is subdued, fades quickly, but does linger for a decent amount of time.
The Panilonco Cabernet Sauvignon is a pretty decent five buck Cab, it won’t make you jump for joy, but it goes down smooth and easy, while still retaining some true Cabernet Sauvignon qualities. If you are looking to start a wine with meals tradition in your household, the Panilonco would do justice to cheese burgers or a Chipolte steak burrito. The idea of a drinkable $4.99 Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t as earth shattering as it was 5 years ago, but it is still a solid achievement.
