These days it is incredibly rare to find a quality Cabernet Sauvignon from California for under 20 bucks, let alone under $15. Thanks to the success of Napa, California has become the land of high-quality, expensive Cabernet. Most great bottles of Napa Cab cost an average of $50, and anything under $20 is usually not very good or entirely authentic. Cannonball Cabernet, however, is a happy exception.
Cannonball Cabernet is a wine that knows what it is and who it’s for. Cannonball isn’t claiming that for under $20 you’ll get the same quality and ageability as a $50 Napa bottle — if that’s what you’re after, look to Chile or Bordeaux. Instead, this is an insanely crushable Cali Cab, perfect for a backyard BBQ or casual burger night.
On the nose, this wine explodes with aromas of dark red fruit and balsamic vinegar. As it sits it opens up, giving off scents of strawberries and vanilla. The acidity on the palate is bright and fresh, making this a balanced wine that would be perfect to drink on its own, though I’d recommend it with food. The alcohol is also low for a Cali Cab, sitting at only 13.8 percent, so you can easily have a few glasses without passing out.