Deep ruby color; cherry, blackberry, plum on the nose; cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, chocolate on the palate.
Dry; relaxed tannins; some balancing acidity (3.68 pH). Very easy to drink; smooth and silky in the mouth. No complexity or significant depth—you don’t expect that in a mass-market, QPR (quality-price ratio) wine, but very serviceable for what it is. Uncomplicated, touches the bases for a California cab; 13.5% ABV.
The winery name comes from the 39th parallel, which runs through the California wine country. The 39th parallel is the sweet spot on earth where wine grapes flourish. Line 39 uses grapes from throughout California for its large portfolio of wines. With the “California” designation, the grapes for this effort could come from anywhere in the state, but the website indicates Lake Country and Clarksburg are the sources. In any event, Line 39 is a Certified California Sustainable vineyard & winery. Steven Decosta is the winemaker.
Line 39 is a brand rather than a specific estate. There appears to be no winery or vineyards for the general public to visit—or to photograph. The Mark Wine Group represents Line 39. From the Mark Wine Group website: “Founded in 2007, and based in Austin, Texas, The Mark Wine Group is a family-owned, fine wine sales & marketing agency; representing family-owned and independent wineries and importers, with a clear and simple vision; to provide the premier selection of quality wines to your favorite hotel and restaurant companies throughout the United States.”
Line 39 Cabernet Sauvignon, California 2017 is quality commodity wine. Works well as the second bottle. Works well as a weekday pizza, burger, comfort food pairing. This is easy drinking crowd pleaser at excellent QPR, not an astonishingly good cab. This will not take you to cab quality heights, but does not—in any way—have grievous quality failures. Enjoy it for what it is, and do so at terrific price. $8-11.