Price: $9
Maker: Harlow Ridge Winery, Napa, California
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvginon
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, artificial cork
Alcohol: 12.5 %
Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Harlow Ridge Coastal Vines Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Lodi) has a nice aroma of ripe blackberries, leather, cinnamon, and smoky oak. The flavor has juicy berry notes, with quite a bit of oak leading to a black pepper finish. It’s a masculine sort of wine, and it’s not bad for a sub-$10 wine.
Apparently, Harlow Ridge Winery is another Fred Franzia venture, formed after his Napa Ridge Winery was found to be violating appellation rules by using grapes from outside Napa Valley. (See Two Buck Chuck creator ups the ante in wine feud.) This is one of the better Franzia wines we’ve tasted – it definitely beats the Two Buck Chuck cab. If you don’t happen to consider Fred Franzia as the devil incarnate (as many California winemakers seem to), try out Harlow Ridge Coastal Vines Cabernet Sauvignon. You may be surprised.
I was most pleasantly surprised with the Harlow Ridge Coastal Vines Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Lodi) 750ml bottled wine. Having examined three corks, they certainly look and feel genuine. Your description of this wine’s aroma and notes are accurate, but the finish is long and smooth — feminine connoiseurs of cabernets and merlots will certainly enjoy this wine. This wine rates at least a 9 or 9.5, and is more pleasing than most priced at $35 or less. If you happen to stumble upon a case of 2003 vintage, bank it immediately and share it with only your fondest guests. It’s that good.
Napa Ridge and Harlow Ridge (taste identical) are both smooth for the modest $10.00 price tag. Going through phases with Cabernet Sauvignon certain wines seem to stay with me as this one has. After drinking a bottle and eating sushi I ordered their house Cab. Harlow Ridge was their house Cab. Two sheets to the wind I suddenly realized what I stumbled upon. It’s good to notice an upgrade without the price when you thought you just downgraded.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE YOUR HARLOW RIDGE MERLOT OR CAB? I LIVE IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA AND CANNOT LOCATE A STORE. MY ZIP CODE IS: 91316
THANK YOU.
I had some Harlow Ridge Cabernet Sauvinnon this weekend and enjoyed it very much. It had a great aroma and I would like to know where I can purchase some. I live in Long Beach Ca Zip 90808
Thank you very much
Howard
Was able to get Harlow Ridge at Grocery Outlet in McMinnville, Oregon and now unable. Where would I be able to purchase your wine. So far it has passed all the other wines we have tried.