Was I pleasantly surprised when I tasted my first sip of this beauty. Big. Bold. Complex aromas and taste. Delightful, and reminiscent of wines that sell for four times the price. According to Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate reviewer Luis Gutiérrez, “The new impressive red blend 2016 Cabriola mixes Garnacha with Syrah and a touch of Cariñena (Mazuelo), and despite its 15.5% alcohol, it feels harmonious and balanced in an XL way. It comes in a heavy Burgundy bottle, closed with a quality cork, and it all feels like a more expensive wine. It has a modern profile, but the oak is neatly integrated and folded into the fruit that is ripe and juicy. The tannins are fine and the flavors focused. The price feels too good to be true . . . . They produced 96,000 bottles that were filled after 12 months in oak barrels.” Luis awarded the wine 91 points and said it would easily last through 2023.
Wine Spectator awarded 91 points, commenting, “Full-bodied, yet fresh and lively, this red delivers bold flavors of cherry compote, dried fig, cocoa, toast and licorice. Light, firm tannins and citrusy acidity keep this focused. Garnacha, Syrah and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2026."
James Suckling, also on the 91-point train, called it "A juicy, rather jammy red with cherry, dried strawberry, some raisin and ash. It’s full and flavorful. Not the most complex wine, but showing good fruit and freshness for its age."
The price? Believe it or not, as little as $10.99. Back up the truck.
