Winemaker Notes
Planted in 1991, Viking Vineyard is celebrated among Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts for its ability to produce wines with striking intensity and memorable length. The vineyard site sets itself apart from other sites due to its steep south-facing slopes and the calcareous limestone soil composition. The exposed vineyard ridge creates keeps the vines low-yielding, leading to dramatic fruit concentration and density of flavors.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Viking Estate Ranch was matured in 50% new French oak for 20 months. It's bursting with aromas of cassis, violet, pencil shavings, tobacco leaves and allspice. The full-bodied palate features concentrated fruit with Goldilocks ripeness. It has velvety tannins, fresh acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle.
Rating: 94+
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
