Winemaker Notes
Opolo's flagship Cabernet Sauvignon returns with a stunner from the excellent growing season in Paso Robles. The 2023 vintage comes equally from their Quinn West and To The Moon estates in the Willow Creek District, and was aged for 18 months in 40 percent new French oak. This wine opens with notes of purple flower, plum, caramel, olive and coastal sage. Blackberry, cherry, blueberry and cocoa powder saturate the mouth with freshness and elegance, while rounded tannins carry the finish.
Pairs well with beef stew or prime rib.
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.