Brennon Leighton Crafts the Best $13.79 Cabernet on the Planet!
When Charles Smith began his “Substance” wines project a decade ago, it was inconceivable to find an authentic $14 west coast Cabernet delivering 92 points of deliciousness.
While Charles was the ideation and marketing genius, much of the work behind the scenes was done by Brennon Leighton, his longtime head winemaker. Now that Charles has left Substance, Brennon - a man who has crafted numerous 100-point wines during his career - is the sole winemaker, and the magic continues.
With a generous attack of blue and black fruits, the 2022 Substance "Cs" Cabernet harnesses the greatness of the Columbia Valley, boasting a dark fruit profile and black earth depth that California’s affordable Cabernet regions simply can’t match.
And, best of all, this serious Cabernet is still just $13.79. We bring this overdelivering classic-of-a-Cab to you today along with a beautifully classic white from one of our favorite over-performing regions of the Loire Valley. Read on for the details on both, then bang on that Big Green Button to score some of the best Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet values the world has to offer!
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2022 Substance "Cs" Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley, Washington
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This is the delicious weekday-workhorse 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that actually TASTES like Cab! Aged in real French oak barriques, without any food science gee-whizzery, it brings an incredible combination of quality and authenticity, and does so at a price that has not changed in a decade!
An enveloping purity of blue and black fruit blankets the palate immediately. The creamy initial attack leads with notes of blueberry, blackberry and black currant. We then cracked a smile as we welcomed that familiar Washington State grit underneath, with dark soil tones, violets, tobacco, gravel and a long palate-staining finish.
Generous without excess, this medium-plus bodied Cabernet is so nice with grilled meats, and on its own when you're just winding the day down. Serve it from a decanter and your partner and friends will guessed you paid a lot more than you did.
This trio of exciting reviews captures the magic well, particularly Dunnuck’s from less than a month ago…
"For the price, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Cs overdelivers in quality, producing a sultry, big-boned, yet refined varietal wine that's revealing in blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. Medium-bodied, it is well-integrated in terms of tannin and oak, with a youthful verve that keeps it long and herbal on the finish."
- 90 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (7/10/2025)
"This is a full-bodied cabernet that has inviting aromas of chocolate cherries, black plums, mocha and some vanilla. It’s firm yet creamy and plush with excellent persistency. Drink now or hold."
- 92 Points, James Suckling (6/28/2024)
"The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon offers high quality for its modest price. Matured for 10 months in 15% new French oak barriques, it's scented of red cherries, charcuterie, aniseed and dried herbs. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and savory with soft, grainy tannins, refreshing acidity and a layered finish."
- 90 Points, Wine Advocate (4/3/2025)
Median online retail is $16. It is a slam-dunk at that price and an even more impressive deal at ours. Cabernet lovers, this one is for you!
Vin Chicago Price: 13.79
Subtle, Floral and Gorgeous Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc for Sixteen Bucks!
2023 Christophe Monget Sauvignon Blanc
Coteaux du Giennois, Loire Valley, France
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With the success and popularity of Sancerre, Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc is white-hot. As it becomes difficult to find outstanding Sancerre for under $30, we’ve been keen on recommending the steadily-increasing-in-quality wines from surrounding appellations whose similar climates and terroirs along the Loire Valley give enormous value.
One such appellation is the Coteaux du Giennois, an underdog region just north along the river from Sancerre.
Here, Christophe Monget farms 15 hectares of 20-year-old Sauvignon Blanc vines footed in clay/limestone soils littered with flint. Eschewing pesticides, Monget utilizes cover crops and farms with organic fertilizers.
Fermented and and aged in stainless steel, this zippy fresh French country white has crisp acidity, zesty citrus, pear and white rock flavors along with pretty floral notes. An elegant expression of Sauvignon Blanc, this 12.5% ABV white performs nearly all the tricks of entry-level Sancerre, but with substantial savings.
"This is a beautiful wine with understated depth. Grated green-pear skin, dried hay, white nectarine and quince aromas fill the nose along with white blossom. Steely in texture, the wine delivers well-integrated wet stone and dried field grass flavors."
- 90 Points, Wine Enthusiast (4/1/2025)
We mirror this 90-point assessment from Wine Enthusiast. Five online prices range from $20 to $23. Our price blows them all away!
Vin Chicago Price: 15.99
