March 22, 2019
Santa Cruz Mountains vs. Paso Robles!!
1. 2016 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
Deep purple ruby core, slightly lighter at the rim showing slight staining on the glass. Aromatic with black cherry & blackcurrant fruit, attractive oak & complex cigar box notes with cocoa & a subtle purple floral note. Dry, moderate plus bodied, with ripe blackcurrant, black cherry & a touch of red fruit brightness on the entry. Balanced oak, vanilla spice & brioche notes mixed with classic savory cabernet varietal cues mingle on the mid-palate. The finish is moderately long & fresh with sustained rounded fruit & lingering baking spice balanced nicely by firm, smooth tannins. Winery
2. 2016 Ridge Zinfandel Paso Robles
The wine (first vintage 1967) is lovely, wafting from the glass with aromas of ripe blackberries, plum preserves & rich spices. On the palate, it's full-bodied, lavish & velvety, with an ample core of ripe, sun-kissed fruit, lovely purity & a sweet, lingering finish. As ever, this is one of the very finest Zins produced in the region, & its naked, effortless style should be a beacon for other producers to follow. It derives from the Benito Dusi Ranch, which is visible from Route 101 as you drive through Paso Robles. Rated 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
3. 2015 Santa Cruz Mountains Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Luchessi Vineyards
"The is a perfect example of a rough & rugged mountain vineyard that produces wine with tons of character.” “Forget anything you thought you knew about this variety from a Napa perspective. The Santa Cruz Mountains version is deeper, juicier, & rougher in the right way to really go great with food." Winery
4. 2015 Santa Cruz Mountains Vineyards Grenache Santa Lucia Highlands Hook Vineyard
This single vineyard Grenache offers aromas of fresh sagebrush, black raspberry, crushed slate & the slightest bit of game. It's light & bright on the palate, yet bolstered by strong & persistently grippy tannins, allowing rose petal & light violet flavors to shine atop the structure. Rated 93 Wine Enthusiast Magazine (WE)
5. 2015 Tooth & Nail The Possessor Paso Robles
Fat aromas of black cherry, cassis, caramel, oak & vanilla quickly pull the nose into this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot & 7% Petite Sirah. The exuberance is dialed back on the sip, where tart black-plum skin, roast beef & pepper spice flavors abound. Rated 91 WE
6. 2016 True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
Pure Paso Robles, this rich yet smooth Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with elegant aromas of blackberry, blueberry, pepper & cassis which lead to flavors of dark red fruits with hints of cedar spice, cocoa powder & caramelized oak. These persistent flavors create a long lingering finish. While very accessible now, this wine will continue to evolve nicely for years to come. Winery
7. 2016 Opolo Mountain Zinfandel Paso Robles
A beautiful shade of purplish red, this bottling shows cohesive aromas of black plum, strawberry sorbet, vanilla & nutmeg on the nose. The palate is full, rounded & rich in plum jam flavor, but with enough baking spice & a strong crushed rock minerality to add elegance & intrigue. Rated 93 WE
8. 2016 Kathryn Kennedy Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains
Strawberry sorbet, light licorice and dried earth show on the nose of this bottling, which is quite mellow at first but becomes incredibly enjoyable with time. Fresh & accessible red-fruit flavors combine with hints of tobacco and tea leaf on the palate, which is delicate but with juicy depth. Rated 91 WE