When I opened this wine, the smell made me very nostalgic for a place I used to live in the late 90’s. That would be Paso Robles. While working at Splendido restaurant in San Francisco we sold more Paso Robles wine than almost anything else on the list. After tasting wines from the central coast, I thought it would be the next great wine region. A couple years later, I moved to Paso Robles to learn more about central coast wines. One of the first wineries Pamela and I visited was Justin. Mr. Baldwin toured us through the winery and after I made him aware of my culinary background, we spoke about me coming aboard as their chef. Justin Baldwin has been on the razor’s edge of recognition and wine fame for two decades or so, yet he always sells as if he is somebody no one has heard of. This is probably the formula that has propelled Justin to the top year after year.

As the aromas hit my olfactory senses, I exclaimed this wine smells of the essence that is Paso Robles. Nothing has changed much over the years. This is a well made wine using tried and true techniques like old style 100% pump over and punch-downs, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, aged in 32% American New Oak. Big bold flavors leading with vanilla then cassis, super ripe plum and baking spice complete the flavor profile of this well made Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine should find its way to your dinner table often. It also works well as a standalone sipper.

Rating: Very Good (88) | $26 | 14.5% ABV

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