With the Christmas fast approaching, it’s time to stock up on wine for the big day.  If you have a big red drinker in the party, then it’s probably worth keeping some cabernet sauvignon around the house.  While most people are still perfectly ok with drinking non-organic wine, there are some who are early adopters for switching to organic.  If only there was a way to satisfy both camps…

Enter Santa Rita Organic Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, a big bodied red with organic chops to boot.   Plus, it’s under $10!

Sight:  Bright pink edges, with a garnet core, laced with hints of violets.

Smell:  If you like green bell peppers, than Santa Rita Organic Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 is gunning for you.  Blackberries and black pepper play secondary notes, with tertiary elements of vanilla.

Sip:  That green pepper says hello pretty quickly, and then rolls on with black pepper, unripe blackberries, and hints of smoke.  The body is quite heavy, and has a touch of sweetness.  The brightness is quite low.

Savor:  The tannins are alive and well on the ending, getting rather large, and hitting on some of the plum and vanilla elements as it fades.

Santa Rita Organic Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is taking green to new heights, especially from the perspective of bell peppers.  This cabernet sauvignon is a great example of what happens in a cooler climate, and how cabernet sauvignon can start pulling in green flavors, not just bell pepper, but also herbal notes.  Those looking for bigger fruit flavors are going to feel out of their depth here, and should probably look elsewhere for their kicks.  That being said, it might be worth looking elsewhere unless you’re deep into the organic promise that Santa Rita Organic Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon offers.

Verdict:  Green, Bell Pepper, Tannin, Black Pepper
Price: $8
Central Valley, Chile
Available at Wine Library