A Tasting of Four California Cabs

This became a tasting because I kept opening bottles and wondering if something was off with my taste buds. But, no, there were just three bad wines in this grouping. The Daou smelled like a teenage boy’s gym locker. The 1858 Caymus blend was so bad I’m not sure what it tasted like. And the Paso Robles Willow Cove was just plain awful. Now, if I were a wine professional, I could tell you WHY these wines were bad but all I can say is I suspect too much oak. Of these four wines, the Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve was the standout. I actually enjoyed that wine with a plate of spaghetti and red sauce. And I would buy that one and drink it again. Be advised this was the “Grand” Reserve and not the “Vintner’s” Reserve. I thought it was a good solid California cabernet worthy of a weeknight dinner.