Price: $9
Maker: Fisheye Wines, Ripon, California
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, artificial cork
Our Rating: 8 out of 10
A “Fish Eye” is what some call a skillful fisherman, according to the FishEye Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 bottle; what that has to do with wine isn’t clear, but perhaps it’s just the lead in for another critter name. This wine snuck up on us. Our first tasting immediately after opening the bottle found it a bit thin and with a flavor featuring some odd earthy notes. Letting it breathe a bit brought out different character in the wine. Its aroma is berry, pepper, and some woodsy/herbal notes. The flavor is fruity, with cherry and currant leading the way. The finish brings out a peppery note.
The fruit-forward nature of this wine and the fact that for a cab it isn’t overly heavy make it a nice choice for informal gatherings. The Fisheye website suggest pairing with lobster and steak brochettes. We were thinking more along the lines of barbeque fare.
Cheap Wine Reviews said, “…this wine lets the fruit speak for itself. Along with the dark plum taste, I also experienced a little pepper in the nose.” Fisheye themselves claim, “Intense jammy fruit and ripe currant are accented with a background layer of black cherry. Soft tannins and subtle notes of vanilla conclude with a finish that lingers on.”