Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Foxglove also scores highly with their 10,800-case cuvee of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. A blend of all-Paso Robles fruit and composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petiti Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color and plenty of black fruit intermixed with loamy soil undertones, licorice, and spice. The wine is luscious and. medium to full-bodied , with silky tannins and a heady, opulent finish. Drink it over the next 2-4 years, although it could last a lot longer. These are absolutely spectacular bargains from the very high-quality Varner Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is their less expensive line-up of wines, and I encourage readers to try them – they are true winners.
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.