Hannah’s Happy Hour- Santa Ema Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

This Santa Ema Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 has thrown me a curve ball.  I really didn’t like this wine and I wouldn’t drink it again.  I didn’t do any research into the winery before drinking it and now that I’ve read more about the vineyard and the winemakers, I feel like I should give some of their other grapes a shot.  The family who opened the winery is originally from Italy and relocated to Chile to start their vineyard.  I should have known that I wouldn’t like a Cabernet from Chile.  I know that I prefer Cabs from France, but I gave it a chance anyway.  Overall, I think the Cab fell flat, but I’m excited to try the Carmenere, which is a grape that I consistently like from Chile.

Wine- Santa Ema Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Store- I bought this at Trader Joe’s, but it is not a TJ’s exclusive, it can be found at most liquor stores.

Price- $6.99

Tasting notes- Everything about this wine screams, I’m cheap.  It tastes like cheap wine through and through, from the overly fruity nose to the too tannic and tangy finish.  The only good thing about this wine is that it had a bit of a toasty flavor which made it pair very well with chocolate.  The nose was overly fruity with a pungent plum smell.  The initial tasting flavors included plums, raspberries and a toasty notes.  The finish was anything but smooth and was way too acidic and tangy.  The aftertaste actually reminded me of eating grape fruit chews as a child.

Alcohol content- 13.5%

Pairing ideas-  The only redeeming quality is that it paired well with dark chocolate.  I think this would be an excellent break up wine.  If you are sad and depressed and want to watch a girly movie while stuffing your face with chocolate, then this is the cheap wine for you.

Final verdict- 1.5/5 stars.  I gave a star for price and half a star for its ability to pair well with chocolate.  It lost starts on nose, initial flavor, and finish.  I certainly wouldn’t buy this one again, however I will be picking up the Carmenere next time I venture to Trader Joe’s.  I hope it delivers where the Cabernet fell flat.