One can expect to pay close to $20 to bring home a Napa Valley cabernet, which command premium prices.

But the folks at Purple Wine Co. — who also make Mark West and Rock Rabbit wines — have bucked that trend to create a quality cab for less than half that price.
How do they do it? In order to be labeled Napa Valley, the cabernet must contain

85 percent fruit from Napa, of which 75 percent must be cabernet sauvignon. This vintage includes fruit from other regions with a blend of syrah, merlot and tempranillo.

The percentages add up to meet the labeling requirements, and the sum is a winning blend, delivering a simple but hearty wine with berry and toast aromas and medium tannins.

Sherry: “Peppery clove and black cherry flavor.” 3 stars

Chris: “Cherry, spice and a whiff of smoke.” 3 stars

Available locally for about $10.

Coming next week: Rosemount Traminer Riesling

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