Co-op Ruby Cabernet Wine > Reviews (3)

laid back ruby...CALIFORNIA RUBY CABERNET
Wine of USA California 2004

I have tried to write a review on this wine four times up to now. I've been through three bottles ...on three separate occasions and each time I've just enjoyed it without actually writing anything. So here goes...

Simple facts :
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It's a clear 75cl bottle
It's a Red Wine
It's from California and it's made from a Ruby Cabernet grape
It was bottled in 2004
It's 13 % alcohol by volume
It's very, very fruity
It's very sharp

Front Label:
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Light maroon chequered background with "laid back ruby" in large white lower case letters.
CALIFORNIA RUBY CABERNET in white capitals on a black background.

Rear Label:
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There's loads of information on the label. It seems to have more chemicals in it than a tandoori sauce! However, one of the main facts is that it's suitable for Vegetarians!
Good news for dieters and calorie counters also.... only 90 calories per 125 ml glass!

Colour :
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Amazingly, it looks exactly the same shade as the label...a light maroon colour, when being poured, that turns into a deep red colour in the glass.

General Description :
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It's very strong...and very fruity!
There's a taste of blackberries, blackcurrants ...and a slight wild strawberry taste (but not much).
It tastes more of winter fruits rather than summer fruits and with just a very slight hint of liquorice.
I know this sounds stupid but it actually has a slight smell of a dusty doormat! Hmmmmm!

The Tasting :
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Very round...(a shudder!).....with a very dry after-taste. This wine tastes slightly like a home made wine from a wine kit. (That's probably the chemicals then!)
It is a chore to find anything else in this wine other than what I've mentioned. I'm really trying...honestly. Mouthful after mouthful is squishing through my teeth and around my gums before cascading down my silken throat...and....nothing else is there ....just blackberries and blackcurrants....it's a bit like Ribena with a splash of Vodka. (I'm sure we've all been to those parties when the drinks are getting low. You know, Pernod and Irn Bru... Bacardi and Limeade... Pints of Creme de Menthe!) I digress. I must taste more. Now I'm furiously trying to think of food to go with this wine. My brain must be addled. No inspiration...another sip. No...still just blackcurrants! I know...where would I drink it? Well, on my own I suppose or possibly I'd share it with friends. It's really quite a good plonk! Quite nice tasting as time goes by. (I use nice as a general description you understand, as I can't really think of a descriptive word for it, just...it's quite nice!) It's certainly not mind-blowing. I've got it! Meat...which completely nullifies the 'suitable for vegetarians' statement! Doh! I did try.

Possible Food Ideas:
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Definitely food from the grill like Steak, Burgers or Tuna. Even Chilli con carne with crusty bread or a massive bowl of Spaghetti Bolognese or with an Arrabiatta sauce.

At a push, and especially for vegetarians, you could even have grilled auburgines or vegetable filled tacos but spice them up with a little chilli if you like it. Even stuffed peppers or tomatoes without the chilli. Oh...and barbeque flavour crisps.
I've also just read on the rear label that this wine is ideal for drinking at a barbeque or with Tex-Mex food. (Hah, one point for me then).

My Conclusion :
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It's definitely a leisurely drink in my humble opinion...it took me three hours to drink it....and I've still got some left!
Mind you...it's also the fourth bottle I've tried to review in six weeks as I just forgot to make notes previously. I must have been enjoying it too much...or it's not got much going for it. I really can't tell now and I really have tried...you decide...please! It's OK!...let's just leave it at that.

A Few Useful and Useless Facts:
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I did find out though, that the Ruby Cabernet grape was developed especially for California's hot climate and it was bred by crossing a Cabernet Sauvignon vine with a Carignan vine.
Also, that the wines that are made from this grape may not possess the distinguishing flavour and structure of a Cabernet Sauvignon but they do manage to exhibit some of the fruity aromatics. Which is probably the reason that I am a little underwhelmed with 'laid back ruby' .....Ruby Cabernet. I much prefer a good Cabernet Sauvignon. I wonder if I'm finally educating my palette? I also can't seem to get the image out of my head of an aging female hippy that just tells fortunes for a living. OK that's it I must have drunk too much!

The first bottle I bought of this wine was bought in a deal from Alldays. Three bottles for £10.00.
Co-op The Big Chill Colombard Chardonnay/California Laid Back Ruby Cabernet/Gallo Sierra Valley California Red/White 75cl (varieties as stocked) - £3.99 each - Buy any 3 for £10

I actually paid £4.49 recently for the bottle I've just reviewed from the same shop. I'm probably still mad but very, very happy!

You can find more out at :
http://www.co-op.co.uk/
laid back ruby/RUBY CABERNET/ Co-op Ruby Cabernet Wine of USA California if you really want to. Other than that just buy a bottle...it's cheap enough.

© John Groom 2005