Benchmark Wines

Criterion Collection Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

8.868 ratings
8.81 pro ratings
Coonawarra, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Austin

6 person cab tasting first place votes and tied for first votes from the land down under this cab was very impressive loads of complexity here especially for the price chocolate covered berries on the front with a earthy middle and a spice finish not the loudest flavors but lots of them great complexity definitely something good going on in south Australia

6 person cab tasting first place votes and tied for first votes from the land down under this cab was very impressive loads of complexity here especially for the price chocolate covered berries on the front with a earthy middle and a spice finish not the loudest flavors but lots of them great complexity definitely something good going on in south Australia

Feb 28th, 2024
Chris Hinman

Who rated this higher? Tastes like a $10 gas station wine.

Who rated this higher? Tastes like a $10 gas station wine.

Mar 1st, 2021
Lisa Saenz

Buy all the bottles!

Buy all the bottles!

Dec 14th, 2019
Wulf Losee

2014 opened July 2018. Dry earth, mint, and black cherries on the nose. Pleasant amount of slightly unripe red fruit on the front. Smooth, medium, tannic structure holds it together until the end, with just a hint of puckery tannins going down. This is the first Coonawarra Valley cab that I've had in 20 years. Never been able find them in the US. While this is not the best that Coonawarra puts out, it's very nice, indeed -- and it's a real steal for under $20!

2014 opened July 2018. Dry earth, mint, and black cherries on the nose. Pleasant amount of slightly unripe red fruit on the front. Smooth, medium, tannic structure holds it together until the end, with just a hint of puckery tannins going down. This is the first Coonawarra Valley cab that I've had in 20 years. Never been able find them in the US. While this is not the best that Coonawarra puts out, it's very nice, indeed -- and it's a real steal for under $20!

Jul 7th, 2018
Jessy Manuel

Lovely full bodied wine with bold fruit flavors. An excellent pair with red meat. Acid and tannins don’t overpower the flavors. Does not need to be decanted for long.

Lovely full bodied wine with bold fruit flavors. An excellent pair with red meat. Acid and tannins don’t overpower the flavors. Does not need to be decanted for long.

Jun 30th, 2018
Antonio Bustamante

Bad. Very bad. Too acidic. Not drinkable even when aerating it. Life is too short for bad wine. Use it for cooking or as a vinegar for your dog’s salads.

Bad. Very bad. Too acidic. Not drinkable even when aerating it. Life is too short for bad wine. Use it for cooking or as a vinegar for your dog’s salads.

Apr 21st, 2018
James P Grover

Blackberry, black cherry, and plum. Hints of wood, earth, and black pepper. Medium acidity and tannins. Pleasant and good with food. Not super bold or complex, but decent enough.

Blackberry, black cherry, and plum. Hints of wood, earth, and black pepper. Medium acidity and tannins. Pleasant and good with food. Not super bold or complex, but decent enough.

Mar 15th, 2018
Matt Mason

Whole Foods. C inky, N plum, cherry, woodsy, slight mint; same taste. Nice acidity and tannins.

Whole Foods. C inky, N plum, cherry, woodsy, slight mint; same taste. Nice acidity and tannins.

Jan 4th, 2018
Jess Ica Orona

Spicy, pepper, oak, blackberry and plum, some fresh herbs and floral notes.some heat. Taste is dry, fruity with medium high tannins. Some blueberry on the taste along with everything picked up on aroma. Juicy and a little smokey.

Spicy, pepper, oak, blackberry and plum, some fresh herbs and floral notes.some heat. Taste is dry, fruity with medium high tannins. Some blueberry on the taste along with everything picked up on aroma. Juicy and a little smokey.

Dec 21st, 2017
Mary Beth Bell

Nice flavor but a bit dry

Nice flavor but a bit dry

Nov 28th, 2017