Newman's Own

The entire world lost a great man this year when Paul Newman passed away.  I have always admired him as a philanthropist, an advocate of eating/drinking right, and an actor.  I grew up watching Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, and The Color of Money.  I have also been a big fan of Newman's Own, a company Paul founded in 1982 which focuses on natural and organic foods and sends all profit to charity.  The Caesar dressing has alway been my favorite.  During a recent visit to Jewel, I ran across Newman's Own 2006 California Cabernet Sauvignon for $13.99.

The wine is a joint effort by Newman's Own, Three Thieves (Joel Gott, Charles Bieler, and Roger Scommegna), and Trinchero Family Estates.  They also produce a Newman's Own Chardonnay, with both wines being made from organically grown grapes. 

I popped open the bottle to give it a try along with some Home Run Inn pizza my wife heated up.  I was pleasantly surprised for the price point.  The wine has smells of dried dark fruit and pencil lead.  It is medium bodied, with some black currant, plum, and vanilla oak spice on the palate.  A delight for a wine under $15.   (WG 85pts.)

It is always a pleasure to try a Newman's Own product and I look forward to trying the Chardonnay.