Winemaker Notes
Pair this Cabernet Sauvignon with everyday barbecue fare, like hamburgers and simple steaks, or with charcuterie – salami is a favorite.
Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah,1% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
An inviting nose of red and black currant, black pepper and wet stone. Full-bodied with tight tannins. Gravelly mineral character on the palate, but the fruit remains bright and articulate. Charcoal finish. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of dark berry, mint and fudge kick off the nose of this bottling. Firm tannins frame the ripe berry, herb, mint and cocoa flavors, with fresh acidity driving it all.
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.