Wine Advent-ure: Day 13

Right Hook

Region/Country: Thracian Lowlands (PGI)/Bulgaria
Grape Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

For Day 13 we cover some familiar territory. Right Hook from the Thracian Lowlands of Bulgaria was the first wine featured in Costco’s 2022 Wine Advent Calendar. The flavors of this year’s vintage very much similar – strong flavors of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry accompanied by an tannin structure that while assertive is silky and ends in a smooth finish.  There is still that hint of spice, though in this year’s variant I taste a little more cocoa than vanilla. The color of this wine is a little lighter than most Cabs I remember, but don’t let that fool you, Right Hook is full bodied and still packs a wallop of flavor. That said it is smooth and a little easier drinking than many other Cabernet Sauvignons, with a bit more of an emphasis on fruit (don’t worry, it’s not a fruit bomb!) Needless to say this is a wine that holds up well to steak, brisket and meatloaf, as well as mushroom dishes.