Winemaker Notes
In a constant effort to learn and improve our quality, we conduct barrel trials at the winery every harvest. Over the course of time, we have identified specific cooperages, producing barrels that harmonize beautifully with our wines. The 2018 Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon has a slightly higher percentage of new oak than we typically have used in the past. Varietal purity is still a hallmark, with lush, bright red fruit character and a finely grained tannin structure. The barrel program helped us achieve an elegant density, asserting its presence on your palate. Enjoy over the next decade with your favorite grilled fare.
Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot & 10% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Very fresh in its lively color and lively aromas, this bottling offers black raspberry, cocoa and mint on the juicy, accessible nose. It hits the palate very dry, with blackberry and boysenberry flavors as well as mint, vanilla and cola spice.
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.