The 2024 Firestone Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, a wine that apparently comes with life advice. The back label spends most of its precious space talking about the “discoveries we make along our journey.” Ah yes, my journey. It begins at Grocery Outlet, continues through the checkout line, and ends on my couch watching questionable television. Somewhere in all this philosophical wandering, they managed to squeeze in one lonely sentence about the actual wine. Priorities, people.
First glass, I become suspicious immediately. For young Cabernet Sauvignon, there is surprisingly little oak and only light puckeryishness. Hmm. Then comes touch of sweetness. Uh oh. This is usually moment when I begin checking label to make sure he did not accidentally buy red blend wearing fake mustache. . Not bad flavor at all, but my brain keeps insisting there has been some kind of administrative error. I check label again. Still Cabernet Sauvignon.
Let us be fair. Bottle did not offend me. Bottle did not survive evening either. But if you are looking for that traditional Cabernet experience—the kind that grabs your tongue, throws oak barrels at you, and demands respect—then you should continue your journey elsewhere. At $9.99, it is perfectly drinkable and certainly not a crime against wine. It just happens to be a Cabernet Sauvignon that seems to have taken a different road. I suggest you continue your journey elsewhere.
