We continue our look (check out Part 1 here) at the wines of the Paso Robles CAB Collective, dedicated to promoting the best of the area’s Bordeaux.  Some of the finest wines they have to offer will be avaliable for tasting on Saturday, April 27th  at the prestigious Windfall Farms.

Our tasting panel sampled some of the wines that will be poured at the event and there was no shortage of quality.

Sextant 2008 Kamal Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 35-40

Review:

Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and plums meld with notes of dried figs and vanilla on the nose. Flavors of cherry, cassis, and blackberry combine with highlights of anise, earth, and spice on the palate.  A lush, layered red with plush tannins, Cabernet lovers will really enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 92

 

Sextant 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 30-35

Review:

Aromatics of black cherries, currants, and blackberries mingle with suggestions of sweet spice and dusty earth on the nose. Flavors of cassis and bramble fruit emerge on the palate along with accents of smokey oak, nutmeg, and minerals. A rich wine, with supple tannins and a dry finish, it’s a fine example of a Paso Robles Cabernet.

Rating: 89

J. Lohr 2010 “Hilltop” Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 99% Cabernet Sauvignon & 1% Syrah

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 30-35

Review:

A bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, chocolate, and sweet spice greets the senses. A sip delivers flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and black cherry along with accents of clove, dark chocolate, and oak. Rich, dark fruit and fine framing tannins make this a very approachable wine.

Rating: 89

 

J. Lohr 2009 “POM” Cuvee

Grape(s): 59% Merlot, 26% Petit Verdot, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 45-50

Review:

Aromas of cherries, blackberries, and plums meld with nuances of caramel and sweet spice  on the nose. The palate offers flavors of blackberry and plums with accents of toasted vanilla and nutmeg.  A lush, layered wine with plush tannins, fans of fruit-driven red blend will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 90

Jada 2010 “Passing By” Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 78% Cabernet Sauvignon & 22% Merlot

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 45-50

Review:

Aromatics of blackberries and currants mingle with notes of toasty oak and cocoa on the nose. Flavors of bramble fruit and cassis come together with suggestions of earth, cedar, and sweet spice on the palate. A rich wine that fans of fruit-driven reds with dusty highlights will enjoy. 339 cases produced.

Rating: 89

 

Daou 2010 “Soul of a Lion” Blend

Grape(s): 74% Cabernet, 12% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 95-100

Review:

Aromas of plums and cherries meld with dark chocolate and floral notes on the nose. The palate reveals flavors of cherry, blackberry, and plum that mingle with suggestions of vanilla, all-spice, and cedar.  An elegant, layered wine, fans of smooth yet sophisticated reds will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 90

Daou 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 77% Cabernet, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 55-60

Review:

Aromas of blackberries and currants meld with suggestions of mocha, all-spice, and violets on the nose.  A sip reveals flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and cherry accented by notes of dark chocolate, oak, and sweet spice. A rich, nicely structured red with layers of complexity, it’s a fine example of how good Paso Cab can be. Enjoy now if you like more body. Lay it down for a few years if you’re after more mellow.

Rating: 91

Hammer Sky 2009 “Red Handed” Blend

Grape(s): 66% Merlot, 17% Cabernet, and 17% Petit Verdot

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 40-45

Review:

A bouquet of black cherries, plums, pepper, and all-spice rises up from a glass. Flavors of cherry and plum come together with notes of vanilla and sweet spice on the palate.  A fruit driven wine with rich tannins, enjoy a bottle now with food or give it a year in the cellar. 294 cases made.

Rating: 89

Hammer Sky 2009 “Party of Four” Blend

Grape(s): 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet, 10% Petit Verdot, & 10% Cabernet Franc

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 60-65

Review:

Aromatics of black cherries, bramble fruit, and cassis mingle with suggestions of vanilla and toasty oak on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of cherry and currant accented by notes of sweet spice, anise, and dusty earth. A smooth, elegant blend, fans of easygoing reds will enjoy this bottle. 247 cases produced.

Rating: 90

Vina Robles 2009 “Suendero” Blend

Grape(s): 95% Cabernet Sauvignon & 5% Petit Verdot

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 45-50

Review:

A bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, dark chocolate, and earth rises up from a glass. The palate offers notes of blackberry and cassis that meld with suggestions of minerals, anise, and oak.  A dark, dry wine with a dusty structure, enjoy it with your favorite cut of red meat.

Rating: 88

Justin 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 20-25

Review:

Aromas of currant, blackberry, and cherry meld with notes of spice, smoky oak, and game on the nose.  Flavors of currants, bing cherry, and boysenberry are accented by suggestions of oak, leather, and vanilla on the palate. A smooth wine with mellow tannins, fans of Cabs with a softer character will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 88