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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. Our tasting panel had the privilege of sampling several Cabernets from member wineries, and there was no shortage of top notch wines. (Also, check out the 2nd part of our feature here.)
Eberle 2009 Reseve Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 70-75
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of blueberries, cherries, vanilla, and smokey oak rises up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberrythat open up into nuances of smokey oak, dark chocolate, and vanilla. A silky wine with polished tannins, it would pair nicely with beef tenderloin. 547 cases produced.
Rating: 92
Ancient Peaks 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, & 1% Cabernet Franc
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, currants, and black cherries combine with notes of toasty oak and clove on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of bramble fruit, black currant, and dark cherry that come together with whispers of herbs, sweet spice, and oak on the palate. Rich black fruit and welcoming tannins make this wine a fine match for lamb chops. 8,245 cases were made.
Rating: 88
The Farm Winery 2012 “Cardinal” Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 85-90
Tasting Notes:
Blackberries, cassis, and black cherries meld with allusions of clove and dusty earth on the nose. The palate offers flavors of currant, bramble fruit, and dark cherry, as well as hints of chalky earth and creamy oak. Welcoming dark fruit and velvety tannins, endear this wine to a juicy rib-eye steak. 270 cases produced.
Rating: 91
The Farm Winery 2011 “LPF” Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 55-60
Tasting Notes:
The wine offers a pretty nose of cassis, black cherry, and forest floor. A sip reveals flavors of black cherries, currants, and plums that flow into elements of earth, soy sauce, and spice. With polished tannins and elegant fruit, match up this wine with a homemade meat loaf. 135 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Pomar Junction 2012 “Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 50-55
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of blackberry jam, plum, cassis, and toasty oak greet the senses. On the palate, flavors of dark plums, blackberries, and cassis unfold into notes of minerals and oak. A smooth, fruit-driven Cab with soft tannins, one could pair a glass with roast chicken. 141 cases were made.
Rating: 89
Sextant 2013 “El Pomar” Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 120-125
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of currants, blackberries, and blueberries play with accents of toasty oak and licorice on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of cassis, bramble fruit, and blueberry that interweave with mineral, oak, and anise elements. With refined tannins and concentrated fruit, it’s a Cab to be savored. Just 53 cases produced.
Rating: 93
San Simeon 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, blackberries, currants, and cherries play with suggestions of smoky oak and sweet spice. Flavors of cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry unfurl into indications of clove, mocha, and smoky oak on the palate. Chewy tannins that provide nice structure and layers of dark fruit help to make this a fine Cab – and a very good value.
Rating: 90
Calcareous 2012 “Signature” Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, & 3% Cabernet Franc
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 95-100
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of cassis, blackberries, chocolate, and sweet spice rises up from a glass. Black currants, dark plum, and blackberry flavors coalesce with expressions of oak, clove, and mocha on the palate. A mouth-filling wine with luscious black fruit, open a bottle with a New York Steak now or let it age in your cellar for 3-5 years. 180 cases were made.
Rating: 91
Calcareous 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, & 3% Merlot
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 40-45
Tasting Notes:
Cassis, blackberry, and plum aromas interweave with clove, olive, and earth on the nose. The palate reveals flavors of bramble fruits, plums, and currants that flow into expressions of all-spice, earth, and cocoa. Offering dusty tannins and rich dark fruit, one could pair this up with portobello mushroom burgers. 810 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Eberle 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of black cherry, cassis, and blackberry play with allusions of vanilla and bell pepper on the nose. On the palate, black cherries, plums, and currants unite with traces of fresh herbs, dusty earth, and vanilla. Opulent fruit is balanced by slightly chewy tannins. Match up a bottle with a roasted lamb shank. 2,950 cases were made.
Rating: 89
Eberle 2013 “VS” Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of black cherries, currants, and blackberries mingle with toasty oak and clove on the nose. With a sip, flavors of cassis, dark cherry, and blackberry emerge alongside traces of smoky oak, vanilla, and minerals on the palate. Hits the right notes, with friendly black fruit and cocoa tannins, making it a fine value. 7,323 cases produced.
Rating: 89
