2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Made with Certified Organic Grapes
62% Whale Rock Vineyard, Templeton Gap
38% Jack Knife Vineyard, Estrella District
17% Petit Verdot
Whale Rock Vineyard in the Templeton Gap District within the Paso Robles AVA. This is the coolest AVA in Paso Robles with significant marine influence. The soil varies from rocky alluvial river stone with clay, to limestone with marine fossils, including whale bone fossils throughout the vineyard. The vineyard is certified organic and practices biodynamic farming.
Jack Ranch is a high elevation vineyard in the Estrella District in Paso Robles. The soil is sandy clay loam with steep slopes with artesian springs under the vineyard. The steep site ripens the fruit early with deep blue and black fruit flavors.
Vintage 2023 had a cool, even growing season. The grapes were harvested between October 20 and October 27 with great structure and nice concentration.
After harvest the different lots were both punched down by hand and pumped over. The wine was aged in 40% new French oak barrels for 21 months prior to bottling.
The wine is made in an elegant style with a vibrant freshness due to the limestone soil and coolness of the vintage. Classic flavors of cassis and plums with hints of herbs, cigar box and spice with a hint of cedar on the finish. This wine will continue to age and develop over the years.
90-92 Points, Vinous (tasted barrel sample)
92 Points, Wine Enthusiast