Nearly every winery makes a Cabernet Sauvignon. Grown the world over, Cabs widely vary in body, flavor, and complexity. And the average liquor store’s wall of options can be daunting. Barring a stint as a sommelier, you probably aren’t going to be spending much time Googling regional soil and climate conditions for the year on the label prior to purchasing. Most likely, you’re looking for a decent bottle that will impress you girlfriend but not break the bank, and which hopefully tastes at least a little superior to portly Mr. Rossi over there in the gallon jug. Sometimes to discover something new, I just single in on a price point I’m comfortable with and pick the label that looks most interesting.
I tried First Press Cabernet based on its super-basic label. I’ve found that the more elaborate the label on an under-$20 bottle of wine, the more they seem to be compensating for what’s inside. First Press depicts a rustic fellow with a wide-brimmed hat working a wine press, the name of the vineyard, varietal, and vintage. Simplicity is key—I like to imagine idealistic winemakers shooing graphic designers and marketing folks with a wave of their flannel clad arms, too intent on making great vino to worry about city-slicker things such as demographics and font families.
On opening, the smell of berries and vanilla becomes immediately apparent, while the wine itself pours a deep blood red with oily purple overtones. The legs—a term used to describe those streaks of viscous alcohol that slowly run down the inside of the glass after swirling—are slightly thicker than average. Not surprising, considering the bottle boasts 14.5% alcohol, definitely on the high side.