I reviewed the 2015 or 2016 (I have both in my cellar). Now, the 2017 vintage of Charles Smith’s Substance Cc Cabernet Sauvignon has arrived and the highly regarded Jeb Dunnuck had this to say: “The base 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is brilliant, and as Cabernet Sauvignon goes, it’s a value that’s hard to beat! Classic black and blue fruits, damp earth, violets, and tobacco notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied effort that stays pure, impeccably balanced, and vibrant on the palate. It’s the real deal, and if it was from Napa, it would sell for 3-4 times the price.” Wrong, Jeb: You gave this wine a rating of 93 points. Given that some 93-point Napa cabs sell for $190 (seriously!), and given that this one sells for as little as $12.90, it’s just as good as wines that sell for 15 times as much. But wait: That’s not really what the numbers reveal, is it? Yes. It is. (Back up the truck!)
