Subscribe to RSS
We continue our look (check out Part one here) at the wines of the Paso Robles C.A.B Collective, a group of wineries dedicated to showing off and promoting the best of the area’s Cabernet and the other red Bordeaux varieties. Whether you’re a fan of Cab based blends or prefer straight varietals, there are plenty of delicious choices.
Pomar Junction 2013 Merlot
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of black cherries, currants, and blackberries mingle with suggestions of cedar and vanilla on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of bramble fruit, black cherry, and currant that come together with hints of vanilla and toasty oak. Ample dark fruit and refined tannins make this wine a good match for hamburgers fresh off the grill. 409 cases were made.
Rating: 89
San Antonio Winey 2010 “Cask 520” Red Wine
Grape(s): 51% Cabernet, 21% Merlot, 16% Petit Verdot, & 12% Malbec
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Notes of cherries, blackberries, and plums combine with hints of dark chocolate, earth, and vanilla on the nose. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry open up into nuances of vanilla bean, anise, and toasty oak on the palate. An elegant wine with silky tannins, sip it on its own or enjoy a glass with a wild mushroom risotto.
Rating: 91
Opaque 2010 Petit Verdot
Grape(s): 100% Petit Verdot
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of dried cherries, plums, cocoa, and leather rise up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of black cherry, red plum, and cassis that combine with dark chocolate, dusty earth, and clove accents. With satiny tannins and welcoming fruit, one could enjoy a glass with a tender lamb shank.
Rating: 90
Vina Robles 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 80% Cabernet Sauvignon & 20% Petite Verdot
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of black cherries, blackberries, and cassis meld with hints of dark chocolate, cedar, and clove on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of bramble fruit, currant, and dark cherry that flow into suggestions of sweet spice, toasty oak, and cocoa. Polished tannins combine with lush fruit for a very approachable Cab that’s a fine value at about $25 a bottle. 13,682 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Vina Robles 2012 “Suendero” Blend
Grape(s): 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petite Verdot, 4% Malbec
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 50-55
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, currants, plums, and black cherries fuse with elements of clove, anise, and dark chocolate. Plum, cherry, and cassis flavors emerge on the palate, along with allusions of anise, sweet spice, and cocoa. Plentiful tannins and bold fruit make this a fine pairing for a beef stew. 627 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Calcareous 2012 “Lloyd” Blend
Grape(s): 27% Merlot, 24% Cab Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, & 14% Petite Verdot
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 50-55
Tasting Notes:
Blackberries, plums, and cherries coalesce with undertones of chocolate and cedar on the nose. With a sip, flavors of cassis, bramble fruit, and plum come forth alongside traces of dark chocolate, oak, and clove on the palate. Rich dark fruit combines with velvety tannins, making this an enticing Bordeaux-style blend.
Rating: 90
Sextant 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, & 1% Petite Verdot
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of currants, blackberries, oak, and sweet spice greets the senses. The palate offers flavors of cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry that unfold into whispers of toasty oak and clove. With ample black fruit and cocoa tannins, this wine will match up well with a juicy rib-eye steak.
Rating: 88
Sextant 2013 “Kamal” Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 7% Merlot, 5% Petite Verdot, & 2% Cabernet Franc
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 40-45
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of black cherries, sweet plums, and blackberries meld with traces of cocoa, smoky oak, and minerals on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of cherry and bramble fruit that unite with elements of dark chocolate, vanilla, and dusty earth. Sweet fruit integrates nicely with chalky highlights. Open a bottle next time you enjoy beef brisket.
Rating: 90
The Farm Winery 2012 “LFP” Blend
Grape(s): 88% Cabernet Sauvignon & 12% Petit Verdot
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 60-65
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of currants, blackberries, sweet spice, and vanilla toast rise up from a glass. Flavors of cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry intermingle with nuances of clove, toasty oak, and anise on the palate. Lush fruit and nicely integrated tannins endear this wine to lamb chops. 118 cases produced.
Rating: 92
Ancient Peak 2012 “Oyster Ridge” Blend
Grape(s): 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petite Sirah, 5% Petit Verdot, & 2% Malbec
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 45-50
Tasting Notes:
Notes of blueberries, cherries, and blackberries come together with suggestions of smoky oak and earth on the nose. Flavors of dried cherry, bramble fruit, and currant unfurl on the palate, alongside whispers of minerals, herbs, and cigar box. A robustly flavored wine with cocoa tannins, match it up with a beef chili. 866 cases were made.
Rating: 88+
*Wines rated with a “+” need a bit more time to reach peak quality but will do so over the coming years
