Winemaker Notes
Our estate vineyards are nestled into the rolling hills of Paso Robles and provide exceptional growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. 2015 was a challenging year due to a combination of the extended drought and intensive winds during flowering in the Spring. These tough conditions led to, in the worst case, 50% lower yields than average in some of our Cabernet Sauvignon blocks. However this hardship produced small clusters with tiny, concentrated berries and the fruit we did pick was some of the best we've seen. Extended maceration techniques and a long, slow fermentation allowed peak extraction of phenolics, dark fruit characters and highly finessed tannins. 18 months of barrel aging in carefully selected, quality French Oak softened all of these high pedigree features and the wine developed into a beautifully structured wine with firm tannins that promise a long life ahead.
Blend: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
A plump candied-blackberry aroma and a touch of wet slate make for a very inviting nost to this bottling, which is bolstered by 9% Petit Verot, 5% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. It tightens up on the palate thanks to firm tannins, and delivers flavors of black cherry, milk chocolate and toast. Acidity rises into the finish.
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.