Price: $4
Maker: Filus S.A., Argentina
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, natural cork
Alcohol: 13%
Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10
La Boca Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (also labeled “Barrio”) from Argentina is yet another amazing bargain from Trader Joe’s. For a mere four bucks, it’s actually quite a drinkable Cab. Its nose is spicy berries and licorice. Flavor wise, it’s not a fruit bomb, but offers plums and currants with a rather dry finish that seems to last forever. This isn’t your typical cheap Cab – it offers better balance and richness than many wines in the sub-$10 price range, and is superior to any of the sub-$5 offerings from California that we have tasted.
Tom and Melody had remarkably similar comments, and also found that breathing was critical to bring La Boca Cabernet to its best form. Tom summarized, “I love this wine! It’s a strong, fruit-forward, New World wine, but dry and tannic enough not to be fruit-bomby… And it’s a wonderful value.”
This is definitely a good choice for red wine drinkers on a strict budget. I’ve yet to taste a bottled red in this price range that’s nearly as good.