Liberty School, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002

From the bottle, the cabernet is a California designation (same as Hawk Crest), meaning that it is made from grapes harvested from anywhere in California. This cab is 13.8 percent alcohol by volume (same as Hawk Crest) and also like Hawk Crest is produced under a label known for making very good wines [Caymus makes Liberty School and Stag’s Leap makes Hawk Crest].

Where did I find it: AZ Wines

What did I pair it with: Bunless bacon cheeseburgers

Appearance: Plum red w/ murky pink edges

Smell: A bit hot on the nose, with slight hints of pepper and cherries

Taste: Sour berries and light tannins zip through the mouth, leaving a stinging feeling on the tongue that one expects more with a Mike’s Hard Lemonade, but not with a moderately priced Cabernet.

Price: $12.49
Quality rating: 82/100
Value rating: 45.0/60

Takeaway: If I could blend the berry taste of Liberty School and the tannins/mouth feel of Hawk Crest, I might end up with a wine worth buying again. This one falls a bit short – though the label doesn’t say, I’m fairly certain that the California designation means not from Napa/Sonoma…the grapes really do taste second rate.