Wines
of the Week: Top Cabernets
from the Paso Robles C.A.B Collective
By FBWorld Team
Paso
Robles is slowly gaining recognition as a premier growing
region and the wineries of the C.A.B Collective (the acronym
standing for Cabernet And other Bordeaux) are out to showcase
the quality of the area's Bordeaux varieties. After the success
of their inaugural CABs of Distinction event and the increased
exposure and credibility from Paso Robles being named Wine Region
of the Year by *Wine Enthusiast Magazine*, the C.A.B Collective
is very excited for their CABs of Distinction event taking place
on April 25th & 26th.
Here's
a preview of some of the delicious Cabernets you'll be able
to sample at the event (Check out the Merlots, Malbecs, and
Bordeaux-style blends , too):
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Adelaida
2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Adelaida
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 70-75
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, cassis, and black cherry are accented
by notes of dark chocolate and toasty oak on the nose.
The palate delivers flavors of bramble fruit and currants
that unfold into suggestions of roast coffee, cocoa, and
sweet spices. Rich tannins and layered flavors make this
a Cabernet a standout. 235 cases were made.
Rating: 92 |
|
Justin
2010 "Isosceles" Blend
Winery:
Justin
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon 85%,Cabernet
Franc 8% & Merlot 7%
Region:
Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 65-70
Review:
A bouquet of bramble fruit, cherry, dark chocolate, and
cedar rises up from a glass. Notes of blackberries, cassis,
and cherries blend with nuances of cocoa, clove, and smokey
oak on the palate. Opulent and dark, with rich tannins,
it drinks well now, but will certainly do well in the
cellars, too.
Rating: 90 |
|
Justin
2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Justin
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region:
Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 45-50
Review:
Aromatics of plums, currants, and black cherries blend
with hints of all-spice and toasty oak on the nose. The
palate offers flavors of cherry, plum, and cassis that
open up into suggestions of vanilla, sweet spice, and
cedar. A mouth-filling red with good structure, it's ideal
for a juicy steak now but will along mature nicely with
a few years in the cellars.
Rating: 89 |
|
Parrish
Family Vineyards 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Parrish Family Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 45-50
Review:
Fragrances of bramble fruit and plums mingle with notes
of cedar and clove on the nose. Flavors of boysenberry,
plum, and black cherry unfurl into nuances of smokey oak,
sweet spice, and dusty earth on the palate. Plentiful
tannins and concentrated dark fruit make this an ideal
wine to enjoy with food. 255 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Calcareous
Vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Calcareous Vineyard
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
A bouquet of blackberries, cherries, currants, and dark
chocolate greets the senses. Flavors of cassis and blackberry
come together with notes of clove, toasty oak, and dark
chocolate emerge on the palate. A nicely structured, mouth-filling
red, enjoy a bottle now with a juicy steak or give it
some time in the cellar. 260 cases produced.
Rating: 91 |
|
B&E
Vineyard 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
B&E Vineyard
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of cherries, plums, and blackberries open up
into hints of toasty oak on the nose. The palate offers
flavors of cherry, plum, and strawberry along with a suggestion
of red licorice. A lighter, more elegant Cabernet, fans
of smooth, fruit-driven reds will enjoy this wine. 456
cases produced.
Rating: 88 |
|
Ancient
Peaks 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Ancient Peaks
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon 76%, Syrah
16%, Zinfandel 4%, Petit Verdot 2%, & Cabernet Franc
1%
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
Fragrances of bramble fruit and currants are accented
by notes of smokey oak, vanilla, and herbs on the nose.
The palate reveals flavors of blackberry, cassis, and
black cherry that open up into hints of sandalwood, pepper,
and caramel. Dark and full-bodied with a peppery highlight,
it's not a typical Cab, but fans of something a little
different ought to try a bottle. 9,508 cases produced.
Rating: 87 |
|
Daou
2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Daou
Grape(s): 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7%
Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, & 9% Petit Verdot
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 55-60
Review:
Notes of cherries, currants, and bramble fruit wrap around
suggestions of cedar, earth, and clove on the nose. Flavors
of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry combine with hints
of smokey oak and all-spice on the palate. A dark, concentrated
Cab with rich tannins, enjoy with food now or give it
some time in the cellar.
Rating: 90 |
|
Hammersky
2010 Caberenet Sauvingon
Winery:
Hammersky
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 70-75
Review:
A bouquet of cherries, currants, medjool dates, and fruit
cake spice greets the senses. A sip delivers flavors of
cassis and black cherry with accents of clove, dusty earth,
and vanilla bean. A dark red with intriguing highlights,
if you are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary Cab, give
this bottle a try. 56 cases were made
Rating: 88 |
|
Chateau
Margene 2010 Reserve Caberent Sauvignon
Winery:
Chateau Margene
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon 86%,Cabernet
Franc 9% & Merlot 5%
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 80-85
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, currants, and black cherries are
accented by hints of minerals and herbs on the nose. Cassis,
blackberry, and cherry flavors emerge on the palate, accompanied
by notes of peppercorns, sage, and earth. Fans of velvety
tannins and dark concentrated flavors will enjoy this
bottle.
Rating: 90 |
|
Hunt
Cellars 2009 "Cask 21" Cab-Ovation
Winery:
Hunt Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 135-140
Review:
Aromatics of black currants, blackberries, and cherries
mingle with sweet spice, cedar, and vanilla on the nose.
Flavors of cassis, black cherry and bramble fruit open
up into notes of toasty oak, vanilla, and dark chocolate.
A rich, smooth wine that offers excellent depth, it truly
is a Cabernet of distinction.
Rating: 96 |
|
Hunt
Cellars 2008 "Opulence" Cabernet Franc
Winery:
Hunt Cellars
Grape(s): 4100% Cabernet Franc
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2008
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 60-65
Review:
The nose offers aromas of cherries, blackberries, and
baked currants accented by suggestions of dark chocolate,
caramel, and coffee. A sip unfurls flavors of cassis,
black cherry, and bramble fruit that meld with hints of
toasty vanilla, mocha, clove. Smooth, slightly sweet,
and rich, with exceptional layers and a long lingering
finish, it's not a typical Cab Franc, but it is very,
very tasty.
Rating: 97 |
|
Hunt
Cellars 2009 "Cloud 9" Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Hunt Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 75-80
Review:
A bouquet of bramble fruit, cherries, black currants,
and toasty oak greets the senses. The palate delivers
flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, cassis, and black
cherry accented by hints of cedar, vanilla, and sweet
spice. With lush, concentrated flavors, it's a superb
Cab.
Rating: 94 |
|
Vina
Robles 2010 Caberent Sauvignon
Winery:
Vina Robles
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon 81% &
Petit Verdot 19%
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 20-25
Review:
Notes of black cherries, bramble fruit, and herbs rises
up from a glass. Blackberry, cherry, and cassis flavors
interweave with smokey, woodsy, and herbaceous notes on
the palate. Plush tannins and dark concentrated flavors
make it a wine that will work nicely with food.
Rating: 87 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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