Winemaker Notes
The 2021 vintage of Serial's signature Cabernet Sauvignon expresses the best of Paso Robles terroir with fruit sourced across several districts. Opulent berry notes of black raspberry, wild strawberry, and boysenberry are tamed with savory herb, black pepper, and star anise flavors. Richness, high-toned acidity, and round tannins come together in this powerhouse wine to hug the palate ending with a superb finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
The nose is deeply scented with aromas of mulberries, cedar, tobacco leaf and wild blackberries. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins and integrated acidity, offering notes of plum confit, dried herbs and dark chocolate. Bold and rich, with time needed for the oak to integrate. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.
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.