As we brace for the “snow-pocalypse 2010” that is expected to slam into our nation’s capitol at any moment, thousands of my fellow Washingtonians are making a mad dash to the grocery store for last minute “emergency rations.” And as we settle in for the long winter’s night, I can think of no more important purchase than a few budget bottles of wine to help warm the soul as the snow begins to fall.
The 2008 Pepperwood Grove Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle Central, from the storied Sebastiani wine making family, should be on everyone’s short list for everyday enjoyment.
Right out of the bottle, this Chilean Cab makes quite an impression. For less than $7, the 2008 vintage is incredibly smooth and offers a dry, not too fruity flavor with a nice kick of blackberry. This wine is really best enjoyed slightly chilled and should be imbibed right out of the bottle. Oddly enough, the wine was actually less tasty as it had time to breathe. The lesson here: don’t savor it, drink it.
One important note for those heading out to the store: Be sure to pick up the “Valle Central” bottling versus the “California” bottling of this wine. Both are good, but the Valle Central is about 30% less expensive.
For around 6 bucks, you can’t go wrong – bundle up and enjoy this flavorful South American import.
The Cork Scrooge 
[…] All in all, the 2006 vintage was entirely drinkable, and if you found it on a restaurant menu for a good price by the glass I doubt you would be disappointed. However, for $15 a bottle, the wine is overpriced and fails to deliver the quality of many of its lesser priced rivals. […]
By: 2006 Chateau Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley « The Cork Scrooge on February 6, 2010
at 3:20 pm
[…] you have $13 bucks to spend there are far more worthy wines available for you to purchase today. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)2007 Dancing Bull Zinfandel2006 Chateau Ste […]
By: Strike 2 – Dancing Bull 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon « The Cork Scrooge on February 9, 2010
at 8:05 pm
[…] From the review…“The 2008 Pepperwood Grove Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle Central, from the storied Sebastiani wine making family, should be on everyone’s short list for everyday enjoyment. Right out of the bottle, this Chilean Cab makes quite an impression. For less than $7, the 2008 vintage is incredibly smooth and offers a dry, not too fruity flavor with a nice kick of blackberry. This wine is really best enjoyed slightly chilled and should be imbibed right out of the bottle. Oddly enough, the wine was actually less tasty as it had time to breathe. The lesson here: don’t savor it, drink it.” http://thecorkscrooge.com/2010/02/05/2008-pepperwood-grove-valle-central-cabernet-sauvignon/ […]
By: THE TOP 10 RED WINES UNDER $10 OF 2010 « The Cork Scrooge on December 31, 2010
at 6:41 pm