Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
A Wine for Tonight: 2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
By Kori ~ October 20th, 2011.
Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coonawarra region in Australia.
Our selection criteria include:
- A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
- A price tag of <=$15
- Must be widely available
Johann Gramp, a Bavarian immigrant, planted the first commercial vineyard in Australia’s Barossa Valley on the banks of Jacob’s Creek in 1847. In the early 1900’s, the company was registered as G. Gramp & Sons and the Orlando Wines trademark was established. In 1976, Orlando Wines officially launched the Jacob’s Creek brand. Bernard Hickin went to work for Orlando Wines that same year; he was promoted to Chief Winemaker in 2006.
Today, Jacob’s Creek is one of the world’s most popular wine brands. When we visited the Barossa Valley of Australia in 2005, we had the pleasure to visit the beautiful, modern Jacob’s Creek Wine Tasting Centre, located fittingly on the banks of Jacob’s Creek.
“Fresh blackcurrant and dark berry fruit aromas on the nose exuding typical Coonawarra characteristics. Hints of black olive and licorice balanced with nuances of cedar and vanilla from fine grain French oak. Generous ripe cassis flavors with tobacco leaf, supported by subtle integration of oak leading to a rich, smooth finish.†–Jacob’s Creek
2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra, Australia): Deep, dark red in color. Nice nose with black cherry, blackcurrant, and forest floor aromas. Black fruit, black licorice, clove, bell pepper, and vegetal notes come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with crisp acidity, medium to high tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $12.99; Available elsewhere, $8 to $15
Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, Australian Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25
