Winemaker Notes
Force & Grace Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon is dense and textured, with concentrated ripe black cherry, blackberry, raspberry fruit leather and cassis flavors, and velvety tannins that beautifully complement the rich fruit. Layers of berries, caramel and notes of blonde tobacco linger on the persistent finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lifted and floral aromas of wild raspberries, violets, blueberries and tobacco leaves. The palate is juicy, with softly integrated tannins and balanced acidity, giving notes of blackberry compote, bitter chocolate and Jolly Rancher candy. Bright, fresh and pure.
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.