Justin Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (750Ml)

JUSTIN Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon comes from JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles, on California’s Central Coast. It is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery uses the same fruit that goes into its flagship ISOSCELES blend. That gives you a rich, serious red at a friendlier price.

The wine spends 21 months in French oak barrels. About half are new: 50% for the 2019 vintage and 55% for the 2020. In the glass it shows a deep ruby-purple core and thick, slow legs. Alcohol is 15% for 2019 and 15.5% for 2020.

The 2020 opens with blackcurrant, black cherry and elderberry. Leather, vanilla, dried herbs, baking spice and toasted oak follow. On the palate it is full-bodied, with ripe black cherry, blackberry and baked strawberry. Dried thyme, dark chocolate, tobacco and graphite build in the middle over smooth tannins. The finish is long and layered, with black fruit, toasted cedar, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla.

Critics have long liked this bottling. The 2017 vintage earned 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. It also scored 92 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

JUSTIN suggests pairing it with a steak fresh off the grill or a deluxe burger. A rich dark chocolate gâteau is another treat worth trying. Give it some air in a decanter, and enjoy it now or over the next several years. If you love bold, polished Cabernet, this one belongs on your table.