Winemaker Notes
A rich and compelling nose of blackberry, cassis, smoky leather and dried herbs is enhanced with layers of plum and cherry, cocoa and sandalwood. Notes of pencil lead and crushed rock mingle with subtle nuances of sage and menthol. Bold and full bodied, this wine is structured firmly around a solid core of boysenberry and cherry fruit. Supple, ripe tannins provide ample backbone for the layers of boysenberry, black cherry, licorice and dried herb flavors. Fleshy and weighty on the palate while retaining balance and finesse, it finishes long and clean with lingering notes of plum and blackberry.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate was made with free-run juice and matured for 21 months in 100% new French oak. Deep ruby, it opens with touches of tar, dried herbs and roasted peppers with a core of blackcurrants and cherries, plus wafts of lavender. The full-bodied palate is supple and fresh with a perfumed core of fruit and a long, savory finish. Enjoy this juicy, drinkable Cabernet over the next 3-5 years. Best After 2023.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Not yet bottled, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep purple hue to go with some classic Cabernet notes of cassis and blueberry fruits as well as chocolate, spicy oak, and lead pencil aromas and flavors. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, and textured. Range 90-92
As Paso Robles, California has soared in number of wineries and gained in popularity, Cabernet Sauvignon has firmly taken root as the region’s number one varietal. Alone, it accounts for just over 40% of plantings and is grown throughout both the western and eastern sides of the appellation. Though viticulture here dates back to the 18th century, Cabernet Sauvignon didn’t emerge as a significant grape here until the 1970’s. But since then it has definitely made up for lost time.
Legendary winemaker and consultant Andre Tchelistcheff first recognized Paso’s potential with Cabernet Sauvignon in the early 1960’s. The calcareous soil and dramatic diurnal temperature changes of Paso’s westside particularly intrigued him. Today modern winemaking techniques and focused experimentation with various clones, rootstocks and vineyard strategies optimize the region's ideal combination of soil and climate to deliver the best fruit possible.
The results are evident in the glass. Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon can be mesmerizing, with rich aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis, black cherry, graphite, toasty oak, vanilla and spice. The structure, balance and unbridled opulence of these wines impress from first sip to last. Not surprisingly, Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignons have steadily grown in reputation, not just in the U.S., but around the world.