Vega Sindoa Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

If there’s a varietal I prefer to drink, it’s definitely Cabernet, and the 2009 Vega Sindoa doesn’t disappoint.

Dinner at the OG
brings out my creative side...

I gave it a go on "impromptu date night" this past Tuesday, and while I cursed the Olive Garden for not allowing us to BYOB, the Vega is smooth enough that it works as a digestif too. When we got home we curled up on the couch and got down to business: drinking wine.

When you pour yourself a glass the first thing you’ll notice about the Vega is how dark it is; it’s deep purple sticks to the glass when you swirl it around to aerate. The aroma is heavy; rich and earthy, like dirt or dust. I’m told this scent is “red clay” and that the Navarra region of Spain is known for its chalky, mineral-rich soil.

The wine itself is somewhat dry and has a peppery finish. It isn’t the spiciest cab I’ve ever had, but the bite is definitely there. There are also some dark fruit flavors; cherry and blackberry. It reminds me of the wine-based potpourri that’s brewed in crockpots just for the aroma. Only I want to drink this one.

The 2009 Vega Sindoa isn’t as complex or layered as some of my favorite Cabernets, but its smooth finish and deep flavors are very much representative of what I love about them— even if its other more distinctive qualities make the Vega a little bit different from the California Cabs I’m accustomed to.

If you like dry, surprising wines with straightforward flavor, this one’s for you. Try it with a pasta or beef dish. I’m thinking lasagna, YUM!

ahh, relaxing.

Vega Sindoa Cabernet Sauvignon

2009

Navarra, Spain

Price:                  $

My Rating:          B+

READ ME: Price and Rating Guide

Here's a quick guide to pricing and ratings on this blog.

Please note: I am NOT an expert. My rating is my rating; that's all. You might agree, you might not; it's all good! But please don't get mad at me if you like something I don't or vise versa. 

Price Range (at PWC):

$-       less than $15

$$-     $15-$24.99

$$$-   $25-$34.99

$$$$- $35+

My Rating:

A+     So good I cried a little

A       One of my favorites

B+     Quite good

B       Drinkable

C      OK

D      Not my thing

F       So bad I cried a little 

Welcome

 If you’ve spent any time at all in Personal Wine Cellar, you’ve probably noticed that we’re not what you might call “wine snobs” (Okay, Ernie might be one, but we like him anyway*). Not one of us is a sommelier, nor have we ever been to Napa Valley or French wine country (though they make their appearances on my bucket list). And so it is curious to me when the following thing happens at least once a day: I’m standing behind the counter ringing out a customer who explains to me his or her purchase by saying: “I’m not really a wine person,” “you must think I have terrible taste in wine” or “I just don’t have a sophisticated palate.” It’s like they are apologizing to me for what they are buying; they believe that the wine they enjoy isn’t really any good.

And that’s just crazy talk.

Over the last nine-ish years that I have been actively (and passively) involved in the sale or consumption of wine, I have discovered some important truths…

• You can get great wine in a box
• You can get great wine out of a screw-top bottle
• You can get great wine for under $10— conversely you can get terrible wine for over $50.
• Wine is subjective
• Life is too short to drink wine you don’t like!

My hope for this blog is that it will be a place for those “non-sophisticated” palates. For the non-experts. For people like me, who love wine (or want to love wine) and love trying something new. Each week I’ll taste a different wine and tell you what I think. If you want to try it for yourself, stop by Personal Wine Cellar for that week’s free tasting event.

So pour yourself a healthy glass, pull up an office chair and feel free to comment, agree or disagree with me.

Join me here next week for my first official tasting post. I’ll be reviewing a surprising Spanish red: the Vega Sindoa Cabernet Sauvignon. Until then, enjoy what you drink and drink what you enjoy. Cheers!

* edit: No, we don't.