The Valentin Bianchi Winery, bottles four separate Cabernet Sauvignons as stand alone varietals. They also use Cabernet in several blends, so clearly this is a grape that's important to them. After Malbec, I happen to think that Cabernet is generally speaking one of the strongest varietals being produced in Argentina. Today I'm going to look at the 2005 Valentin Bianchi Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon.
As with the other two Valentin Bianchi wines I looked at this week, the 2005 Cabernet is 100% varietal. 
The wine spent 10 months in oak, one third each in new, one-year and two year old oak. The suggested retail price on it is $18.
This 2005 Cabernet's nose is loaded with berry casis and mocha notes. The first sip reveals a lot of spice characteristics, which stay with the wine from beginning to end. Earthiness emerges on the mid-palate and stays through the finish, which is fairly long and lingering. The Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet is rich and mouth filling throughout. This is a pretty big wine and should be paired accordingly. Red meat, mushroom based dishes and strong cheeses are all safe bets
The oak on this Cabernet is apparent but well integrated and unobtrusive. This is smooth, elegant and well balanced for a Cabernet this young and at this price point. It has good complexity and enough structure for near-term aging. A Napa or Sonoma Cabernet of this quality would easily fetch twice the price. The Valentin Bianchi Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available for around $15. If you like well made Cabernet at a more than reasonable price point this one is a bit of a steal.
Imported by Quintessential Wines.
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