2010 The Original Darkhorse Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2010 The Original Darkhorse Cabernet Sauvignon is a $7.99 Trader Joe’s wine. The wine is produced by E & J Gallo, the largest family owned wine company in the world. Gallo’s wines run the spectrum from Andre’s and jug wine to topnotch, Estate wine. There is a winery in Sonoma and another in Australia using Dark Horse as their brand and while this bottle says it is “The Original Darkhorse” (along with the “™” for trademark), I could find no record of it before March of 2012. This brand is not listed on Gallo’s website, which usually indicates that it is a Trader Joe’s exclusive wine. The label says the grapes are sourced from California vineyards, meaning that grapes from more than one grape growing AVA made there way into the bottle. Gallo controls about half the vineyards in Sonoma, so they have a good economy of scale when it comes to obtaining grapes. The alcohol content is 13.5%.

The color is dark black cherry red in the center and clear ruby on the rim. The nose is blackberry, coffee with no sugar or cream, plum, black pepper and a touch of Christmas spice. This wine has a soft, full mouth feel, it starts out with black  and blueberries, followed by the very distinct flavor of a Starbucks Venti Mocha. The mid-palate adds sweet strawberry, Altoids spice and a slight tug from the tannins. The fruit and spice finish starts off strong, but fades.

The Original Darkhorse Cabernet Sauvignon brings strong interesting flavors to the table, which is all you can ask for in a $7.99 wine. The coffee and chocolate flavor really add a nice shine to the wine. While you can successfully pair the Darkhorse Cab with burgers, pizza and such, I think this is a put your feet up and sit out on the balcony or patio and watch the sun go down kind of wine.

See also  Oak Valley River Canyon Ridge Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2011

 

About the Author
Don’t tell anyone, but there is absolutely no correlation between the cost of wine and the quality of wine.

11 comments on “2010 The Original Darkhorse Cabernet Sauvignon

  1. Francois Thery says:

    I purchase this wine couple days ago at Trader’s Joe, by curiosity.
    I did not expect much for the price, but I was blown away by the quality of this wine. It has a lot of character, we can regret a lack of after taste, but for the price it is a bargain.
    I would recommend this wine, and agree with the last comment of this review…perfect for relaxing at the end of the day on the balcony, or watching a good movie.
    Enjoy!

  2. Alan Randal says:

    I also just tried this wine for the first time…and it was fantastic….unbelievable deep, rich, taste, with a mocha finish unlike any Cab’s that I’ve had for even three times the price. Compare it to all your favorite Cabernet’s and I think you’ll come back to Darkhorse Cabernet Savignon…no match at any price.

  3. Elaine says:

    Hi, i like the others just tried for the first time days ago. The gentlemen offering wIne samples highly recommended this one and boy was he Right! Loved it! And the price couldn’t beat it. My only regret is that I didn’t buy more than one bottle. I sent my husband back to Purchase another and they were sold out. Excellent choice / value. Will purchase case next time.

  4. Kimberly says:

    I love this wine! Another one to try, although not at this low price point, is Phantom-a Bogle wine.

  5. Dorris Day says:

    Dave’s description is spot on. This wine is phenomenal. I would recommend it to anyone, it is a great wine for the price. Perfect for a relaxing drink at the end of the day.

  6. Sonya Jonason says:

    I cannot find this wine in any of the Trador Joe’s stores. Any Idea when they will restock? I would hate to think I couldn’t find this wine anymore!!!

  7. Albert Santone says:

    I have called the winery in CA, and Trader Joes in Cleveland for a month. The winery says see Trader Joes but Trader Joes can’t get it from their supplier. No one will say who their supp[lier is.
    It is worth more than$10/bottle to me if I can find it.

  8. dan says:

    Darkhorse Cab is currently available and selling better than hotcakes at the Redmond, WA Trader
    Joe’s. Full Disclosure: I work there, and enjoy this wine!

  9. Benson says:

    Radical Cabernet. No oak barrel aging, instead stainless steal tanks. One might think this is a bad thing, but it works for this wine. Some very interesting tastes/flavors going on here. The nose is incredible- Choclate, berries, and cherry pipe-tobacco. The taste is not bad either, a good bargain for the price.

  10. samantha says:

    I’m about to buy 2 bottles of this delicious wonder from Specs in San Antonio! I learned about it because at Saltgrass Steakhouse, we serve it.

  11. Srb says:

    I LOVE THE DARK HORSE CAB. The bold rich flavors are Devine. Finally I have an all time favorite bottle of wine. It can be purchased at most grocery stores. Albertsons, Tom Thumb, Walmart, Kroger. But you better get there before I do. ENJOY.

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