LCBO Sale Wine of the Week: May 23

KWV The Legend of Big Bill Cabernet Sauvignon (Western Cape, South Africa)

Sale $10.95, Regular $12.95
Discount (until May 27): $2.00
LCBO #457119 | 750 mL bottle

Tastes like: Plum with a little spice and pepper, black berries, black olive and toasty oak, with some chocolate on the finish.
Pairs with: Big ol’ steak on a grill. Burgers, platters of meaty things.
Good for: Discussing the Ontario election, worrying about the Ontario election, forgetting about the Ontario election. Or, on a lighter note: a wedding.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: Now.

Why we're drinking this
This is a new-ish wine to the market. And though the cartoony label promises an outrageously huge wine — in homage to “Big” Bill Millar from the KWV co-operative in South Africa — it is in fact rather elegant. Big Bill was the first general manager at the co-op, which started up in 1921. He was also a boxer, rugby star and war hero. You’d expect a massive wine with that kind of narrative. But there’s restraint here. This is a stunning value, even at regular price. It should be your summer barbecue or wedding wine, given that you can get a case for under $135.

Tasting note
Pretty nose, with good ripe fruit and lots of classic Cabernet elements: plum, blackberry, cassis, chocolate and toasty oak. It’s got a spicy kick in the mouth (that’s Big Bill talking!) with a nice round feel. Tannins are fairly soft, with a somewhat rustic presence. The fruit is perfect: ripe, bright, juicy. Very nice balance in a fairly bold Cab that’s drinking perfectly right now. Everyone should love this.

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This week's selection by kwäf Taste Bud Dick Snyder