Winemaker Notes
After a few glass swirls, majestic aromas of dark olive and wet earth, with hints of blackberry, are released. Imparted from oak aging, this Cabernet Sauvignon also offers notes of vanilla and brown spice on the finish. This wine reveals multiple layers of character—from juicy blackberry to cassis—supported by rich tannins. It is rounded out with a smoky undertone and a rich, toasty finish.
Recommended pairings include beef stir-fry with fresh and pickled ginger, roasted vegetable tart, lamb chops with spring peas, or a charcuterie board featuring aged semi-hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or Gouda.
Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 10% Petite Verdot
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
Roasted cranberry and dried rose petal aromas make for a light entry to the nose of this bottling. The palate is lightly bodied as well, with roasted cranberry, strawberry, pencil shaving and herb flavors.
After a long and rewarding career as a salesman, grape grower and ambassador for Santa Maria and Paso Robles wine, Jeff Wilkes decided to try his hand at winemaking.
He went to his long-time employer and friend, Steve Miller, with a proposal to create wines that focused on California’s Central Coast, through the lens of two of its sub-AVA’s, Santa Maria and Paso Robles Highlands.
Jeff launched his namesake label in 2001 and immediately received critical acclaim. He continued on that path until his untimely passing in 2010. Inspired by Jeff’s vision and moved by their friendship, the Miller family decided to continue the J. Wilkes label as a tribute to Jeff’s passion.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
