Several other very good Calif Cabs are Rodney Strong, Wente, and Benziger. The Wente is right around $20 (all BC prices), the Rodney is about $24, and the Ben is a bit more at about $33. The Ben is lovely, but the other two plus the Lohr are very, very acceptable. I would rather drive one good bottle than two mediocre ones. I don't think any of the Canadian reds, while much improved, and very good, are quite as good as the California offerings. Some of the local Okanagan Valley Private Bottlings (you get from the vineyard shop only, not Liquor Store) are close to the Californias but you have to pay $35 plus for them.
Ovr, I had the Rodney Strong this past weekend. Mrs. Dockman was only in for a single glass until she finished the first, we killed the bottle in short order. Tasty. I have a bottle of the Wente waiting to go down the hatch this weekend. I found the Benziger at the LCBO as well but here it is almost $40, too much in any case.....maybe I'll ask Santa?
RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005VINTAGES 226944 | 750 mL bottle
Price: $ 22.95
Wine, Red Wine,
13.86% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
Made in: California/Californie, United States
By: Rodney Strong Vineyards
Release Date: Nov 8, 2008
Tasting Note
Garnet color. Baked berries, singed herb, and barnyard aromas. A round, silky entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body of berry, clay, and forest floor flavors. Finishes with a tangy cocoa powder and dried berry fade with dusty tannin. A very Bordeaux-like offering. Pair with stews and game. Highly Recommended. , Score - 88. (
www.tastings.com, Feb. 25, 2008)
WENTE CABERNET SAUVIGNONLCBO 301507 | 750 mL bottle
Price: $ 17.25
Value Added Promotion
750 mL bottle comes with FREE Bottle Stopper until Nov 29, 2008 or while supplies last!
Wine, Red Wine,
12.9% Alcohol/Vol.
Made in: California/Californie, United States
By: Wente Brothers
Tasting Note
Medium ruby purple colour; dry and medium-bodied with ripe blackberry fruit and hints of anise and chocolate; medium tannins; long finish
Serving Suggestion
Pepper steak; grilled beef; lamb