Winery: McManis Family Vineyards

Vintage: 2017

Wine Name/Vineyard: Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Category: Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Lodi

State or country: California

Price: $8.99

ABV: 13.5%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score:  86 points

Review date: June 9, 2019

About the Winemaker: McManis wines have been produced by 5 generations of family members. Their winemaking facility is near the town of Ripon, Ca, however the grapes used in the wine are grown in Lodi. McManis Family Vineyards takes pride in using sustainable growing methods.

Color:  Deep purple with a sienna colored rim

Nose:  Fig, tropical fruit, a touch of smoke

Taste: Dark ripened cherry, fig, ripened blueberry, mild oak tannins Finish: in ripened honeydew, black pepper.

Assessment: This is a full bodied and juicy wine. I use the term juicy over fruity deliberately. It has a touch of grape jam like sweetness, but it isn’t a sweet wine. It has some mild oak tannins as well (to its benefit). The finish is sustained with a hint of bitterness. Considering the price and character it’s a great option for an everyday drinking wine- one which most wine drinkers will enjoy. Ready to drink now.

I stumbled on this wine when I was out looking for a good bottle of bourbon at my go to bourbon retailer in town. A representative from a distributor was offering a tasting of four wines. I’m glad he was there or I might never have tried this. Before tasting it I had learned the price was $8.99. I was expecting very little character; perhaps a one-dimensional bore. After a taste I was pleasantly surprised. I purchased some to highlight on The Barrel Cellar. This wine is a great value at $8.99 (buy here),

Pairing recommendation:  Aged Cheese, grilled or cured meats.

McManis Family Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is a good wine.  86 points