Substance CS Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

In 2001, Charles Smith began making wines in Walla Walla Washington. Some of his brands became quite successful and in 2016, he sold 5 brands including Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Velvet Devil Merlot and Boom Boom Syrah to Constellation Brands. In 2017, Smith combined several of his remaining bramds, including "Substance" under the title of "Wines of Substance".

Substance CS is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley. The wine is aged 100% in French oak and has an alcohol content of 14.5%. Although it remains quite affordable, the wine has received critical acclaim, including a rating of 92 points from Robert Parker, who described it as one of the best values available.

I found the wine to have flavors of dark fruit combined with flavors of cola and vanilla. Although the wine has a silky texture, there is a significant amount of tannins making this a dinner wine and certainly not a party wine. This is one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons that I have tasted in the past year. I bought the wine at Costco for $12.99 and you can match that price at Total Wines with a 20% off coupon (regular price $15.99).

SC Wine Joe rating = 91 points

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