In an effort to find some inexpensive (< $15) Cabernet Sauvignon for an upcoming party, we performed a taste-test between two such wines tonight, both from Napa Valley.  What makes this party interesting, is that the inexpensive wine will be blind tasted against more expensive wines, so we’re looking for something that can stand up to that kind of competition.  Unfortunately, we didn’t find it in either of these choices.

2005 Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon      $10

Nose: Can actually get some fruit notes from the grapes, with a slight green (vegetal) character and some woody notes… this was very tough to smell and even seemed to be a little “synthetic”

Taste:  Very light tannins, some blackberry and not much else other than some spicy notes towards the end

Having said that, we would still drink that as a weeknight wine as it was fairly even, smooth

2006 Pavilion Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve      $11.99

Nose:  Your guess is as good as mine… got a whole lot of nothin’

Taste: Licorice, and wonderful tannic mouthfeel that painted the teeth, though I did detect some slight bitterness on the end

I felt the huge mouthfeel and chewiness of the Pavilion might hold it’s own against some bigger Cabs, but the disappointing nose would probably give it away.  Again, still an acceptable inexpensive wine for everyday drinking

Neither of these wines were very distinct or complex, yet they were still satisfying and refreshing to drink, especially for the price point.  I certainly would not put them up against some higher-end, high quality Cabs from California, much less Napa Valley.  But, I suspect the reason these are still quite drinkable is because they are from Napa fruit, which is just a guess on my part.  Both are made from well-respected wineries with very experienced winemakers, but you have to wonder where the line is drawn in the winemaking process, attention to detail, etc. for low-end (price-wise) wines vs. the big dogs and how the flavor is impacted as a result.   You decide.