Blasted Church Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Some wines are all about the food.

They may seem a little reserved on their own, but once they meet the right dish, everything falls into place.

That was exactly my experience with the Blasted Church Cabernet Sauvignon 2020.

Blasted Church Winery, located in Okanagan Falls, has earned a reputation for producing approachable wines with plenty of character.

Their Cabernet Sauvignon is a good example of a wine that stays true to the variety without trying to be overly ambitious.

The nose is subtle rather than bold.

Dark berries lead the way, with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and a touch of dark cherry.

There are gentle hints of spice and oak in the background, but the fruit remains the main focus.

On the palate, the wine is surprisingly powerful.

It has good concentration and enough weight to stand up to rich food, while moderate acidity keeps everything balanced.

The tannins are firm but well integrated, giving structure without becoming aggressive.

Dark berry flavours continue through the palate, delivering a clean and classic Cabernet Sauvignon profile.

The finish is medium in length, and while the wine is well made and balanced, it doesn't develop many additional layers as it opens.

It is enjoyable, but it stops short of the complexity found in some of British Columbia's top Cabernet Sauvignons.

I first tasted the wine on its own and found it pleasant, though slightly one-dimensional.

Everything changed once I paired it with steak.

The protein softened the tannins, the fruit became more expressive, and the wine felt much more complete.

This is clearly a bottle that was made to accompany food rather than to be enjoyed by itself.

For that reason, I would recommend serving it with grilled ribeye, striploin, roast beef or slow-cooked beef short ribs.

It would also work well with a juicy burger or hard, aged cheeses.

On its own, I would score this wine 81 points.

With a well-cooked steak, it easily becomes a 4 out of 5 experience.

Sometimes the right food pairing makes all the difference, and Blasted Church Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a perfect reminder of that.

See also: okanagan wine guide

See also: okanagan grapes

See also: oliver wine country

See also: Okanagan Wines