The other day I sat down and enjoyed a Cabernet my brother brought up from the Paso Robles region of central California. Paso Robles is gaining plenty of notoriety as their reds are climbing the ladder of quality and popularity. One that I was unaware of until recently is a Cabernet from Sculpterra Winery, located just east of the Salinas River in east Paso Robles.
Their Cabernet vineyards are north-south facing and were planted back in 1995 on their own roots. The 2005 vintage was a great year in Paso Robles with a long growing season and an extended hang time with good fruit exposure. 2005 also was considered to be a wetter year in the Paso Robles AVA. More rain contributed to higher yields in the county, lending itself to a more robust and full bodied wine. These growing conditions contributed to the concentrated and intense varietal flavors in the wine. The wine was aged in a combination of new French, American, eastern European oak and then blended together before bottling.Aromas: Flavors of raspberry, dark-cranberry, chocolate and licorice. Elements of earthy mushrooms, herbal spice, and smoky toast.
Palate: Packed with aromas of dark raspberry, cranberry and a thick mouthfeel, I feel this wine is similar to an Australian Cabernet. Eaucalyptus seems to float out. Maybe Coonwara terroir is similar to Paso Robles? I don't know. It is almost Syrah-like. Very nice and enjoyable. Smooth tannins and a great oak finish.
Awards:
Gold Medal, 2007 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
Silver Medal, 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Silver Medal, 2007 Finger Lakes Competition
Silver Medal, 2007 Jerry Mead Competition
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