Here’s a 2008 Napa Valley cabernet that sells at Cost Plus World Market for $13, on sale from $18.
Folks, the mission here is to review affordable wines that you can find. Today, that rule is bent in case you are near a World Market, which has an exclusive on Wheelhouse. Or near a restaurant that’s smart enough to carry this Napa Valley cab, like Columbus Inn on Pennsylvania Ave. in Wilmington, DE.
That’s because Wheelhouse cabernet is fresh, delicious, natural-tasting, dark-fruited, spicy, and I Can, Not, Stop, drinking it. Wow — $13, for this? Mouth-drying tannins, juicy dark cranberry flavors, combined with some oak, a hint of rhubarb and vanilla, and . . . drum roll please . . . it’s not too sweet. Medium-bodied, and light on its feet for a California cab, you can enjoy Wheelhouse with almost anything. Not endlessly complex, but way more interesting than most California reds I’ve had under $20.
I would say that it’s great for a party, but you want this wine for yourself. A humongous Best Value at $13, receiving a standing ovation at $18, and dangerously close to being awarded a “Best of the Best” designation at ANY price, Wheelhouse cabernet is:
Highly recommended.
Wineguider wine reviews 