Tasting: Walmart 8 Cabernet Sauvignons
14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon (2021, Columbia Valley, WA – $11.91)
Francis Coppola Cabernet Sauvignon (2022, California – $15.48)
Bread & Butter Cabernet Sauvignon (California – $14.73)
Winemaker’s Selection (Walmart Brand) Cellar Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (2020, Sonoma County, CA – $15.00)
Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon (2023, Mendoza, Argentina – $10.98)
Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon (2022, California – $13.48)
Clos de Bois Cabernet Sauvignon (2022, California – $10.64)
Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon (2023, California – $10.98)
✅ The winner of the tasting was Wine #2 (Francis Coppola, 2022, California) with the highest score, followed by Wine #4 (Winemaker’s Selection, Sonoma County 2020).
🍇 Blind Tasting: 8 Walmart Cabernet Sauvignons
Tasters: Lynn, Scott, Ryan & Kim
Occasion: Labor Day Weekend at the Bay 🌊🍷💍
🥂 Cabernet Sauvignon – The Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated worldwide for its bold tannins, deep color, and complex aromas. Typical notes include blackcurrant, cherry, plum, cassis, vanilla, cedar, and tobacco.
California & Washington: Ripe fruit (blackberry, cherry), often oak-aged for vanilla/spice.
Argentina (Mendoza): Higher altitude = softer, fruit-forward wines with herbal or tea hints.
Sonoma County: Balanced, layered flavors with a mix of red & black fruits, medium tannins, and elegance.
🍷 Wines in Tasting Order
1️⃣ 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2021
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA
Price: $11.91
Store: Walmart
Scores:
Lynn: 12 (would buy again, bring to party)
Scott: 9 (would not buy again)
Ryan: 11 (would not buy again)
Kim: 14 (would buy again, bring to party)
Total Combined Score: 46
Notes: Fruity with cherry & licorice; tannic with alcohol sitting on the finish. Average everyday wine.
2️⃣ Francis Coppola Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2022
Region: California, USA
Price: $15.48
Store: Walmart
Scores:
Lynn: 19 (would buy again, party wine)
Scott: 14 (would buy again, neighborhood party)
Ryan: 14 (would buy again, neighborhood party)
Kim: 18 (would buy again, special occasion)
Total Combined Score: 65
Notes: Complex blackberry, chocolate, spice. Balanced with layered flavors. Rich & polished — the winner of the tasting. 🥇
3️⃣ Bread & Butter Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2022
Region: California, USA
Price: $14.73
Store: Walmart
Scores:
Lynn: 16 (would buy again, bring to party)
Scott: 9 (would not buy again)
Ryan: 11 (would not buy again)
Kim: 12 (would buy again, bring to party)
Total Combined Score: 48
Notes: Fruity and soft with cherry notes, lighter body. Some tasters found it boozy and thin.
4️⃣ Winemaker’s Selection (Walmart Brand) Cellar Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2020
Region: Sonoma County, California, USA
Price: $15.00
Store: Walmart
Scores:
Lynn: 16 (would buy again, party wine)
Scott: 12 (would buy again, drink at home)
Ryan: 15 (would buy again, favorite of group)
Kim: 17 (would buy again, party wine)
Total Combined Score: 59
Notes: Raspberry, cranberry, chocolate, jammy fruit. Nicely balanced & complex with a good finish.
5️⃣ Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2023
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Price: $10.98
Store: Walmart
Scores:
Lynn: 16 (would buy again, bring to party)
Scott: 10 (would not buy again)
Ryan: 13 (would buy again, drink at home)
Kim: 15 (would buy again, bring to party)
Total Combined Score: 51
Notes: Herbal tea/Earl Grey with fruity layers. Nose stronger than palate; muted flavor.
6️⃣ Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2022
Region: Central Coast, California, USA
Price: $13.48
Store: Walmart
Scores:
Lynn: 9 (would not buy again)
Scott: 9 (would not buy again)
Ryan: 9 (would not buy again)
Kim: 10 (would not buy again)
Total Combined Score: 37
Notes: Described as “cough syrup/Robitussin”. Overly fruity, very tannic. The lowest-scoring wine of the night. 🚫
7️⃣ Clos de Bois Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2022
Region: California, USA
Price: $10.64
Store: Walmart
Scores:
Lynn: 18 (would buy again, bring to party)
Scott: 13 (would buy again, drink at home)
Ryan: 13 (would buy again, drink at home)
Kim: 15 (would buy again, bring to party)
Total Combined Score: 55
Notes: Smoky oak, leather, vanilla, cherry, plum. Smooth and very drinkable. The best value wine — strong score at the lowest price. 💰🍷
8️⃣ Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2023
Region: Lodi, California, USA
Price: $10.98
Store: Walmart
Scores:
Lynn: 14 (would buy again, bring to party)
Scott: 8 (would not buy again)
Ryan: 8 (would not buy again)
Kim: 10 (would not buy again)
Total Combined Score: 40
Notes: Heavy legs, but acetone/paint thinner aroma overwhelmed fruit. Some flavor redemption, but overall disappointing.
🏆 The Winner: Francis Coppola 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $15.48
Region: California
Total Combined Score: 65 (highest of all 8 wines)
Why it Won:
Rich aromas of blackberry, chocolate, and spice 🍫🍒
Balanced, layered palate with complexity
Consistently high scores from all tasters
Lynn gave it a near-perfect 19, calling it party-worthy 🎉
