Winemaker Notes
The finished wine is rich and deep in color, with a lush mouthfeel and persistent finish. Notes of red cherry, blueberry jam and cedar are accentuated by a fresh herbaceous element and a hint of vanilla.
Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a very accessible yet still seriously structured Cab. Bolstered by 3% each Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the node offers soil, woodspice and dark berry aromas. The savory palate shows likable dark berry and violet flavors that are balanced by carob and charred cocoa.
Editors' Choice -
Vinous
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is dark and brooding in character. Dried flowers and a dusting of cedary spice complicate black cherries all lifted by a hint of camphor. This is silky smooth upon entry yet it quickly gains tension. A saturation of primary fruit mixes with fine-grained tannins that mount toward the close. It tapers off structured and long, with a bitter sensation of dark chocolate and clove as a hint of minty herbs adds desired freshness.
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.