🍇 Varietal Overview: Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most recognized red grape varietals. Known for its bold tannins, full body, and deep color, it's often aged in oak to add vanilla, cedar, and spice. Flavors typically include:

Black fruits: blackberry, blackcurrant
Herbal notes: mint, eucalyptus, green bell pepper
Earth & spice: tobacco, graphite, leather, licorice

🗺 California Expression: California Cabs—especially from regions like Napa, Sonoma, and Central Coast—tend to show riper fruit, sweeter tannins, and less herbal austerity than Old World styles like Bordeaux. Oak aging often brings vanilla and toast, enhancing lush berry and plum profiles.

🥂 Wine Descriptions (Tasted in Order A–D)

🍷 Wine A: Beiler Family "Born to Run" Cabernet Sauvignon

🏷 Price: $12.50
📍 City/State: St. Helena, California, USA
📅 Vintage: 2021
🛒 Store: Walmart
👃 Aroma: Rich, fruity with licorice and dark chocolate
👅 Taste: Fruity upfront, but acidic with short finish
📉 Lynn's Score: 13
📉 Scott's Score: 9
🔢 Combined Score: 22
🛒 Lynn Buy Again?: No
🛒 Scott Buy Again?: No (noted it was once a go-to with the 2018 vintage, but not anymore)
📝 Tasting Notes: Complex aroma but disappointing finish; described as lacking variety and overly acidic.

🍷 Wine B: Pyramid Scheme Cabernet Sauvignon

🏷 Price: $14.95
📍 City/State: Sonoma, California, USA
📅 Vintage: 2021
🛒 Store: Walmart
👃 Aroma: Floral with rose, blackberry, and blackcurrant
👅 Taste: Balanced with acidity, tannin, and fruit; heavier upfront
📈 Lynn's Score: 17
📉 Scott's Score: 11
🔢 Combined Score: 28
🛒 Lynn Buy Again?: Yes (would bring to a party 🎉)
🛒 Scott Buy Again?: No
📝 Tasting Notes: Floral and fruity with blackberries and currants; well-balanced structure and finish.

🍷 Wine C: Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

🏷 Price: $13.99
📍 City/State: Ripon, California, USA
📅 Vintage: 2022
🛒 Store: Walmart
👃 Aroma: Licorice, leather, wet leaves, freshly cut grass
👅 Taste: Less acidity, more tannins; some metallic edge
📉 Lynn's Score: 14
📉 Scott's Score: 9
🔢 Combined Score: 23
🛒 Lynn Buy Again?: Yes (but wouldn’t serve at a party)
🛒 Scott Buy Again?: No
📝 Tasting Notes: Licorice and blackberry dominant; short finish with a slight metallic aftertaste.

🍷 Wine D: Cole Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

🏷 Price: $12.99
📍 City/State: Healdsburg, California, USA
📅 Vintage: 2022
🛒 Store: Walmart
👃 Aroma: Leather, plum, pine needles, and menthol
👅 Taste: Soft, balanced, long finish, no metallic edge
📈 Lynn's Score: 18
📈 Scott's Score: 11
🔢 Combined Score: 29 ✅
🛒 Lynn Buy Again?: Yes
🛒 Scott Buy Again?: No
📝 Tasting Notes: Soft and approachable, long-lasting finish; complex aroma (leather, plum, mint/licorice combo).

🏆 Winning Wine: Wine D – Cole cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (2022)

🔝 Highest Combined Score: 29
💬 Why It Won:
- Smooth, balanced mouthfeel
- Complex aromas (leather, mint, plum)
- Long finish without harsh acidity
- Appealed equally to both tasters in different ways
👑 Lynn’s Top Pick
🥈 Scott also rated it highest among his lower scoring set