This is the highest expression of Justin's winemaking abilities. The blend was always the dream concept of Justin and Deborah Baldwin, in the model of the great Bordeaux left-bank wines of Pauillac and Margaux. Over 25 years of experience have guided their winemakers to great vineyards and low yields, and to spare no expense on production equipment and French barrels, to make the finest wine of Paso Robles. Yet every vintage provides new challenges, and new attempts to drive excellence in a cellarable but immediately delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
In 1987, we made our first vintage of a wine styled after the famous First Growth producers of Bordeaux, created with the same uncompromising care as the Grands Vins of those venerable chateaux. Full-bodied with ripe black fruit and complex baking spice, this wine is amazingly ready to drink right out of the gate, and you can try a bottle or two now—but make sure to save a few to enjoy this wine as it continues to evolve after some time in the cellar.
WINE ENTHUSIAST 93 POINTS - "Intense aromas of black plum, crushed elderberry, violet, smoked meat and turned earth make for a cohesive nose on this legendary blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. Firm, expertly integrated tannins frame the palate's lively and rich flavors of strawberry, dried herb and pepper." — Matt Kettmann
In 1987, we made our first vintage of a wine styled after the famous First Growth producers of Bordeaux, created with the same uncompromising care as the Grands Vins of those venerable chateaux. Full-bodied with ripe black fruit and complex baking spice, this wine is amazingly ready to drink right out of the gate, and you can try a bottle or two now—but make sure to save a few to enjoy this wine as it continues to evolve after some time in the cellar.
WINE ENTHUSIAST 93 POINTS - "Intense aromas of black plum, crushed elderberry, violet, smoked meat and turned earth make for a cohesive nose on this legendary blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. Firm, expertly integrated tannins frame the palate's lively and rich flavors of strawberry, dried herb and pepper." — Matt Kettmann