Black Swan bargain

Continuing on the theme of reds (but moving away from Malbecs, as promised), I bring you another Cabernet Sauvignon. And in the interest of a slumping economy, it's a cheap (read REALLY CHEAP) Cab.

I picked up a bottle of 2008 Black Swan Cabernet Sauvignon at Harris Teeter on sale for 2/$10. I figured, what's a $5 gamble on a young wine?

As it turns out, it was a good gamble. Because it's a 2008 vintage, it hasn't had time to really mature. If you're hesitant about reds, or just venturing into wines, it's a get place to start (and, if you don't like it, you're only out about the cost of a pint of beer out on the town).

The Black Swan hasn't fully matured, and as such is light on the palette. But hints of raspberry and chocolate give it great flavor. What sets this wine apart -- and will continue to do so, I would imagine, as it ages -- is the hint of eucalyptus this Australian wine offers as it finishes smooth.

Might I suggest buying a couple of bottles and keeping at least one of the shelf for a few years while it continues to mature. Doing so will only deepen and bring out more subtle hints of flavor.