Winemaker Notes
San Simeon Cabernet Sauvignon oers bright aromas of dark raspberry and black cherry. Ripe flavors of spicy plum and currant are complemented by nuances of cocoa and cedary oak from barrel-aging. Structured, tannins provide texture and depth with a lengthy finish. A small percentage of Petit Verdot was added for additional complexity.
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Sourcing from multiple estate vineyards, Winemakers Anthony Ribboli and Arnaud Debons were able tp work their magic in an ideal vintage for this ripe, dense and delicious red, which features a small percentage of petit Verdot. Aged for 36 months in 61% new French and American oak, it has a polished texture that shows through the creamy, juicy delivery form start to finish. Aromas of fresh black and blue berries lead to melted dark chocolate atop blackberry compote. The chewy tannins are enveloped by plum and plum skin.
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.