December Wine Pick: L.A. Cetto 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

December is L.A. Cetto Month thanks to International Spirits and Wine!

This WINE PICK of the month was written for the Luke's of Cape Cod website.

I've already reviewed the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon and you can read my initial review by clicking here. My monthly wine picks, like this one, are shorter, more professional reviews for LukesofCapeCod.com.

Mexico just doesn't make beer and Tequila. Believe it or not, they've been making wine longer than anybody else in the western hemisphere. Cabernet Sauvignon loves the sandy soil of Valle de Guadalupe in the Mexican state of Baja California, and the lack of water forces the vines to dig deep for survival. The effects of the ocean make the climate similar to Napa Valley, including foggy mornings, and so Guadalupe Valley is the future of the Mexican wine industry.

The nose of this wine is bursting with blackberry and plum, and as it opens it evolves into cherry cola and beach sand. The palate is lush and juicy with blackberry, cassis and red apple. There's a bit of an Italian-like rusticness, as well as a certain twang in the acidity that I've only experienced in sharp cheeses. It's medium bodied with soft tannin and a lush mouthfeel. The finish is silky with red apple, cedar and spice. Everything is in sync here. It's perfectly balanced.

Regardless of where this wine was made, what we have here is an outstanding Cabernet with a quality worth almost twice as much as what it costs. That being said: it's wine from Mexico! How cool is that? Pair with ribeye steak and barbecue ribs. But if you've got to go Mexican: sizzling beef fajitas.

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING
Price: $10
Rating: 4/5 = Recommended,
(what does that mean?)

The bottle used was supplied free of charge for the purpose of this unpaid review. To have your wine reviewed follow this link.