Tasting: Aldi Cabernet Sauvignon
🍇 Blind Wine Tasting Recap
Cabernet Sauvignon • Aldi Finds • Under $11 • Winter Weekend Edition ❄️🍷
On a snowy Saturday afternoon in Virginia, Lynn and Scott gathered for a blind tasting of four Aldi Cabernet Sauvignon wines, all priced under $11. With ice still on the ground and no labels in sight, the focus stayed where it should: aroma, flavor, structure, and pure drinkability.
🍷 About the Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most recognizable red wine grapes 🌍🍇, known for its:
Common Aromas: Black cherry, blackberry, cassis (black currant), vanilla, cedar, leather
Typical Flavors: Dark berries, plum, chocolate, licorice
Structure: Medium to full body, moderate to high tannins, varying acidity
🌍 Regional Expression
California Cabernet (this tasting):
Fruit-forward, softer tannins, approachable, sometimes candy-like or juicyBordeaux (France):
Earthy, structured, higher tannins, more restraintChile & Australia:
Herbal notes (green pepper, eucalyptus), firmer acidity
The wines tasted leaned clearly toward the California grocery-friendly style—easy drinking, fruit-forward, and party-ready 🍒🍬.
📝 The Wines (Revealed in Tasting Order)
🍷 Wine A (Wine #1 – 2nd Place)
Outlander Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Region: Paso Robles, California
Vinted & Bottled By: Outlander Cellars, Greenville, CA, USA
Price: $9.49
Store: Aldi
👩🦰 Lynn’s Score: 16/20
Buy Again? ✅ Yes
Conditions: Would bring to a party
👨 Scott’s Score: 11/20
Buy Again? ✅ Yes
Conditions: Drink at home
🍒 Tasting Notes
Aromas of gummy bear, licorice, cherry, vanilla
Very low acidity and tannins
Juicy, grape-forward, smooth finish
Easy-drinking and crowd-pleasing
🔢 Combined Score: 27
🏆 Wine B (Wine #2 – WINNER 🥇)
Bird’s Eye Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Region: California
Cellared & Bottled By: Bird’s Eye / Precision Wine Company
City: American Canyon, CA, USA
Price: $10.99
Store: Aldi
👩🦰 Lynn’s Score: 15/20
Buy Again? ✅ Yes
Conditions: Party wine
👨 Scott’s Score: 14/20
Buy Again? ✅ Yes
Conditions: Drink at home
🍷 Tasting Notes
Cherry, blackberry, black currant, vanilla
Touches of chocolate and leather
Bolder than the others, mild acidity
Strong attack on the palate, shorter finish
🔢 Combined Score: 29
🍷 Wine C (Wine #3 – 3rd Place)
Bear Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Region: California
Vinted & Bottled By: Bear Brothers Wines
Cities: St. Helena & Lodi, CA, USA
Price: $8.79
Store: Aldi
👩🦰 Lynn’s Score: 15/20
Buy Again? ✅ Yes
Conditions: Party wine
👨 Scott’s Score: 9/20
Buy Again? ❌ No
🍓 Tasting Notes
Ruby color with pink highlights
Berry-forward with vanilla
Slight tongue snap, moderate finish
More balanced than expected, but divisive
🔢 Combined Score: 24
🍷 Wine D (Wine #4 – Last Place)
Intermingle Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Region: California
Vinted & Bottled By: Intermingle Cellars
Cities: St. Helena & Lodi, CA, USA
Price: $6.49 (special discount)
Store: Aldi
👩🦰 Lynn’s Score: 14/20
Buy Again? ✅ Yes
Conditions: Party wine
👨 Scott’s Score: 7/20
Buy Again? ❌ No
🍬 Tasting Notes
Candy-forward aromas: Twizzlers, sweet berries
Light structure, minimal complexity
Drinkable but not classic Cabernet
🔢 Combined Score: 21
🏆 Overall Winner: Bird’s Eye Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 🍷🥇
Why it won:
Highest combined score (29)
Best balance of classic Cabernet aromas and structure
Bolder flavor profile without harsh tannins
Most “serious wine” feel of the lineup
💡 Even at $10.99—the most expensive of the group—it proved that spending a dollar more can sometimes deliver noticeably better balance and depth.
🍷 Final Takeaway
All four wines were drinkable, budget-friendly, and party-appropriate, proving Aldi remains a solid hunting ground for everyday reds. The tasting also highlighted how personal preference (fruit-forward vs. structured) can strongly influence scoring—even in a blind format.
