SippitySup

Austerity. The word conjures up images of a spare all-white living room, severe haircuts or jam-packed economy seating. The 2014 Austerity Cabernet Sauvignon is quite the opposite. While the price shows quite a bit of restraint, drinking the wine– while enjoying a nicely grilled piece of meat– is quite the opposite. Bright fruit, herbs, spice and oak add up to a colorful, layered and even expansive experience.

Deep garnet with a lively rim in the glass, this “austere” Cab abounds with black raspberry, Luxardo cherry, a hint of varietally correct pencil lead and wet leaves on the nose. A sip delivers decent acidity and smooth tannins (yes the structure is there even at this price point!), a touch of heat, peppery spice, anise and the promised lush red fruit. You are further rewarded with a slightly sweet kiss of vanilla on the finish.

Austere? Not at all. This eminently drinkable wine has some bite from its integrated tannins and moderate acid, but the main attraction is the bouncy red fruit. Paired with Greg’s steak, the spicy sweet melange of ripe cherry and licorice complements the allspice and cocoa elements in the rub. The char, the fat, the juicy, spicy, chewy meatiness of the dish would support a Bordeaux at ten times the price, but in this case Austerity is a good strategy– you could have it nine more times!

As an “everyday” wine, the 2014 Austerity Cabernet Sauvignon is more enjoyable than profound, but this was a Sunday night dinner at home after all. I first tasted Austerity’s Cab, along with other equally balanced and well-priced varieties, at an elegant sponsored dinner a while back. On that occasion, the Cab was paired with a dense yet creamy chocolate caramel sea salt hazelnut tart…which was enjoyable as well (not surprisingly)! Who knew that Cabernet could be so versatile? KEN

I received a sample bottle of Austerity Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 so that I might bring this pairing to the blog. All opinions are my own.

Pairs With Lazy Jerk-Rubbed Rib Eye and Spicy Green Papaya Relish

Price $14–17

Also pairs well with beef, lamb, barbecue, pasta with tomato sauce and some chocolate deserts.

• Category Red Wine
• Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
• Region Paso Robles CA