Papio 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon

Were you ever attracted to a wine label?  I know I have been, and Papio was one of them.

Papio 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon

Papio 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal Blend:
Cabernet Sauvignon 75.5%;
Syrah 17.5%;
Grenache 3%;
Zinfandel 1.8%;
other red varieties 2.2%

To sum it up in 5 words: Great Wine Label – Bad wine.

This wine had no complexity at all beyond the catchy label.  But then again, you get what you pay for in a $5.00 bottle.  I found no special flavors bouncing out at me, nor did it have a nice aroma.  I did however like the jazz influenced monkeys on the label.  If only the wine reflected the artistic quality of the label or the website.

The back label says:  “It’s a jungle out there.  When you find delicious California wines that are good enough to share with your prime mates, you have discovered Papio.  Papio Cabernet Sauvignon has rich, ripe, fruit aromas, with just enough structure to go with more flavor-intense foods like burgers, burritos and barbecue.”

I might use it for cooking instead of my own wine or the reliable Yellowtail brand.  But as for drinking… this is one monkey that tried to get the fruit at the end of the branch one time too many.  Let’s give it a rating of 75 points.