Winemaker Notes
Mia’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from vines located at the northwest corner of our Cabernet block. This rocky slope faces west and produces unique aromas and flavors due to additional stress that occurs from the terrain and wind. Select barrels and additional time in oak contribute to this special bottling.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Dense aromas of black cherry, melted licorice, oak smoke and a rosewater extract show on the nose of this single-vineyard bottling by Helen and John Falcone. Those warm, lush flavors are rich and attention-grabbing on the palate, where baked blackberry, sarsaparilla and caramel elements are wrapped in firm tannins and solid acidity.
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.