The Pillar Heights Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is an $8.99 ALDI exclusive, produced for them by Turn Key Wine Brands. Turn Key is a private label winery with vineyards in Paso Robles and Santa Barbara, along with contracts with other growers. Paso Robles is located inside the Central Coast AVA, about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The back label says “Bottled By“, which means they only put the wine in bottles, who grew the grapes and manufactured the wine is hidden. That is the trade-off with store brand wines, you don’t know exactly what you are getting, but the price is a low enough that there is a marginal risk in taking a chance. And, it is a cost effect way of checking out Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is a clear, see-thru candy apple red. The nose is blackberry, raspberry, oak spice and chocolate powder. This is a medium bodied, dry Cab, with understated fruit flavors. It starts with soft blackberry, slightly candied cherry, cassis and licorice. The mid-palate brings a touch of strawberry and vanilla. The tannins stay out-of-the-way and the acidity is balanced by the body of the wine. The finish is subtle and fades before too long.
The Pillar Heights Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is a decent everyday Red. If you like your Cabernet Sauvignon to be fruit-forward and on the light side, then give the Pillar Heights a try. If you like your Cabernet to be darker with more body and structure, then look elsewhere.
