It’s been years since I’ve reviewed anything from Sutter Home.  The last foray was into the surprisingly not disastrous Sutter Home White Zinfandel.  In order to add some balance, I’ve decided it might be fun to try something really cheap, and hop back in with Sutter Home Cabernet Sauvignon.  Balancing out the whites and the reds that have appeared on First Pour Wine, does the Lodi and Napa fruit make for a better wine than expected?

Sight:  The first thing I notice is the color is a little off for Cabernet Sauvignon, slightly lighter than might be expected.

Smell:  The nose is faint, a little hot, and not particularly deep or concentrated.  Some stereotypical plums float up, and a little bit of red fruit.  A sickly sweet vanilla note persists in general.

Sip:  The body is moderate, and washed out.  There’s again, some fruit coming through, with plums, plum skin, and a bit of blackberry. The start is a little sweet, and then almost has an imbalance in texture, with the wine feeling flabby and hot.

Savor:  The finish is a touch astringent, and the flavors of red and black fruit are generic at best.

By law, Sutter Home Cabernet Sauvignon must be at least 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, and have been 100% from California to be labeled as such.  It also happens to hail from Lodi and Napa.  For some comparison, just Lodi contains 36,000 hectares, almost the entire production of New Zealand, so these grapes may not have come from the best of the best spots.  All things considered, I’ve had worse, but it’s really not good. If you’re not drinking to taste it, than for $6.49, this might not be a bad choice.  Ditto for camping if you don’t have access to cans, and want to keep things in plastic.   However, in the same price point, there are better choices from even producers like Yellowtail and Barefoot.

Verdict:  Flabby, Vanilla, Plum, Fruit, Hot
Rating: 58
Price:  $6.49 – 750 in 187ml bottles (4)
California