LCBO Sale Pick of the Week: Feb. 19

Jacob’s Creek 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Coonawarra, Australia)

Sale $14.95, Regular $16.95
Discount (until March 1): $2.00
LCBO # 91751 | 750 mL bottle

Tastes like: Blackberries, blackcurrants, some wild herbs.
Pairs with: Steak, tacos, burgers, nachos.
Good for: TV night… the Oscars, say.
Drink this: Now.
Alcohol: 14%

Why we're drinking this
Jacob’s Creek is one of those massive global brands that doesn’t get a lot of cred from wine snobs. They refer to themselves as Australia’s largest wine brand, which is certainly impressive given that country’s output of massive wine brands. They’ve also called themselves the world’s most awarded winery based on the performance of its wines at global wine shows in 2013-14. OK, but are the wines any good, or is this just puffery?

Tasting note
This is a damn drinkable wine! It’s less unctuous and sweet than we expected, given its purported mass appeal. It’s got a nice, tight nose of blackberries, boysenberry and a little wild rhubarb. It’s dry, with an enjoyable tang. Fairly soft and juicy, with a coffee/mocha/vanilla finish. It’s no cellar keep, but should maintain nicely for a year or so. But at this price, you’ll just want to crack it mid-week with some tacos or a hanger steak. It’s a solid wine at a good price. No big whoop.

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This week's selection by kwäf Taste Bud  Dick Snyder