X WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON - 2002

X Winery strives to create quality $10 - $25 bottles that rise above the competition in the price category. Bold and edgy, Amicus Cellars (Amicus & X Winery) was established from the foundation of an MBA business plan at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo that lowers production costs through technology so that wine prices can be lower too.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark red color with blackberry and chocolate on the nose. Saturated black fruit, cherry, black current, tea and dusty cocoa are underscored with charred oak flavors. Fairly smooth with chewy tannins and some alcohol still showing through.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 PTS

Solid California Cabernet with good balance and clean flavors. I was surprised to find some heat given the relatively low 13.9% alcohol (strange that anything under 14% today seems low), although it does fade nicely by the second day giving way to more oak. Retails for around $16 - $20 making this a nice wine for the money.