The Substance Cs Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a wine I found selling for $13.99 on sale. Charles Smith produced this wine under the Wines of Substance brand.
The Story
Charles Smith has a history of establishing a wine brand and then selling it for a tidy sum. The Wines of Substance brand was sold to O’Neill Vintners and Distillers in 2024. The brand is now called Substance Wines.
The Sunstance Cs has had a reputation for the last few years as being the best value-priced Cabernet Sauvignon available. This wine regularly obtains 90+ points, with 93 and 92 not being unusual.
The Substance Cs Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley. Here is a list of the vineyards used: 17% Sportfisher, 16% Painted Hills, 13% Badger Mountain, 10% Coyote, 9% Frenchman Hills, 8% Rosebud, 8% Goose Ridge, 7% Mrachek, 7% Golden West, and 5% Northridge.
This Cabernet Sauvignon used whole berry fermentation (grapes are not pressed, read about it HERE).
Native yeast was used, which is a natural yeast that floats in the air and sticks to the grape skins. It is thought that natural yeast is a better match than commercial yeast.
This wine was aged for 10 months in oak barrels, 15% new French oak, it was aged on lees: that is were the dead yeast is left with the wine during aging.
It is also unfiltered. Most wines in the value-priced range are fined and filtered, indicating that the solids left in the wine after fermentation are removed. Since this wine skips the filtering process (expensive wines almost always are unfiltered, and removing anything from the wine will change the flavor), the wine is vegan-friendly. Fining and filtering is a process involving egg whites.
The alcohol level is 14%.
The Substance Cs Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 tasting Notes
The color is cherry red with black highlights. The nose is bright, and there are notes of blackberry, spice, and pork roasting on the grill. mustard, raspberry, and herbs. The Substance Cs Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is rich and detailed.
This Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like extracted cassis, black cherry, and sharp spice. Then very tart cranberry, herbs, plum, and pomegranate.
The tannins are smooth, and the acidity allows the flavors to roll on and on.
The Summary
- The Substance Cs Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is delicious. As the Cheapwinefinder, I am no expert on high-end Cabernet Sauvignon, but this wine tastes expensive.
- While the label changed hands, the winemaker stayed, so the Substance Cs should continue to excel.
