Winemaker Notes
The aromatic profile offers densely concentrated dark fruit with mineral graphite notes. The mid-palate is supple and richly textured with hints of sweet licorice, dark stone fruits and medium-plus toasted oak. There is an amazing backbone of acidity that beautifully counters the luxurious weight which makes for an elegant composition. This wine is made to be enjoyed with family and friends… But you may want to hide some bottles to revisit a few years down the road.
Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc & 1% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
Deep ruby. Ripe cherry and dark berries on the nose, along with hints of licorice, vanilla and woodsmoke. Smooth and broad in the mouth, displaying good heft to the juicy blackberry, bitter cherry and fruitcake flavors. Becomes sweeter with air and finishes long and spicy, with rounded tannins 10% new French oak and 5% new American oak.
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.