Winemaker Notes
After a few glass swirls, majestic aromas of dark plum, licorice with vanilla get released. Notes of spice and black pepper float from the glass with absolutely stunning frangrances. This Cabernet Sauvignon has dark fruit flavors featuring juicy blackberry, dark cherry, and black currant with chalky tannins. It is rounded out with a smokey undertone and a rich, toasty finish.
Pair with steak or lamb with portobello mushrooms, or adorn a charcuterie board with aged semi-hard cheeses like an aged Cheddar or Gouda.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Dark cherries, blackcurrants, cedar, nut shell and moist earth. Medium- to full-bodied with a juicy, fresh palate, offering vivid dark fruit and velvety tannins. Vivid, dark-fruited finish. Drink or hold.
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Vinous
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is terrific. Pliant and explosive, with terrific density, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon packs quite the punch. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, mocha and spice are all nicely amplified. A touch of American oak adds sweetness. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
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.
