Winemaker Notes
Clear and bright with a deep ruby core that lightens to red at the rim. The tears are persistent and moderately thick in subtle staining on the glass. Complex and intense with notes of black cherry cobbler, fresh blackberry, and boysenberry along with layers of wild sage, chocolate, and barrel spice. Dry and moderately full-bodied with notes of juicy black plum, cassis, and blackberry on the entry, and savory elements of roasted red bell pepper, leather, and dried herbs on the midpalate supported by moderate, well-balanced tannins and acidity. The finish is moderately long with sustained notes of blackcurrant, dark chocolate cherry cordial, cinnamon, clove, and vanilla.
The 2023 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is remarkably balanced and complex, with a fresh palate that not only invites another sip on its own, but also pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Try this wine with grilled chicken or burgers at your next cookout or with a classic filet mignon at your favorite steakhouse.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A rich, yet balanced wine with honest cabernet characteristics of savory herbs and graphite as well as cedar, tobacco and cigar box. Full-bodied with cleansing acidity and flavors of black cherry, cocoa and spiced orange rind.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a deeply satisfying and bold Cab at a very fair price. Lush aromas of cherry, cinnamon, and candied pecan show on the inviting nose. The palate is silky and generous with ample cherry, vanilla, and spicecake flavors.
Editors' Choice -
Vinous
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts with bright raspberry and cherry, complemented by autumnal spice. It is juicy in feel, with a solid core of ripe red and blue fruits supported by vibrant acidity. Gently tannic yet lively, the 2023 leaves a licorice and dark chocolate tinge that lingers.
The pioneer of Paso Robles, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1981 by Justin Baldwin and is known for crafting world-class wines using Bordeaux grape varieties. Once the grapes are harvested, JUSTIN Winemaker Scott Shirley and his team sort, select, age, taste, blend, and decide what goes into every bottle. JUSTIN consistently receives top honors around the world, establishing itself as a leader in new-world Bordeaux-style winemaking. JUSTIN's Vineyard Estate features a Tasting Room, luxury five-star accommodations at the JUST INN, and a MICHELIN-starred Restaurant-making it one of the only wineries on the Central Coast to offer all three amenities. JUSTIN also has a downtown Paso Robles tasting room where guests can enjoy their wines. Visit to discover what makes JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery so exceptional.
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.