Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Paso Robles, California

Family-owned, Vina Robles is progressing to second-generation ownership with Founder Hans Nef’s two daughters: Michèle König-Nef and Nicole Nüesch-Nef, at the helm. While honoring traditional winemaking methods, veteran winemaker Kevin Willenborg implements modern technologies to make the estate wines with minimal intervention. The fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon was selected from three of our estate vineyards in Paso Robles – Creston Valley, Huerhuero and Bear Valley. Huerhuero Vineyard, in the hilly terrain between the El Pomar and Geneseo Districts, benefits from the moderating Pacific breezes and limiting calcareous subsoils. Creston Valley Vineyard has picture perfect high terrain, southern exposure and shallow soils with noticeable granulated limestone. Bear Valley Vineyard is located 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean and has high elevations, which produces small, flavorful berries. All the blocks were picked in the early morning to ensure quality and integrity of the berries. The fruit was further sorted at our state-of-the-art winery, gently destemmed, optically berry sorted and crushed into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Pump overs took place regularly to enhance color and help extract tannins from the skin. The wine was aged in French, American and Hungarian oak barrels for added nuances and complexity. After 8 months of aging and extensive blending trials, a bit of Petit Verdot was added to enhance structure. The final blend was then aged in barrels for an additional 12 months to fully integrate before bottling. Tasting notes: Color: Dark ruby/garnet. Aroma: Cassis, cherries and notes of licorice along with hints of cedar, mocha and coriander spice. Taste: Fu l-bodied with red and dark fruits, mocha and a rich finish.