Justin Vineyards & Winery Red Bordeaux Blend Paso Robles Isosceles 2008

Far more showy was a barrel sample of the 2008 Isosceles Reserve, composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It exhibits sweeter tannins along with dense black fruits intermixed with charcoal, creme de cassis, roasted herbs, and spice box. It is a big, thick, juicy, nearly over-the-top wine with impressive balance. I was somewhat surprised that I had a pronounced preference for the 2008 over the 2007 Isosceles Reserve, a cuvee that ages uncommonly well for a Bordeaux varietal blend from Paso Robles.

Absolutely delicious, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (mostly), Cabernet Franc and Merlot is brimming with ripe and juicy currant, black cherry, wild berry, plum and anise flavors that are complex, deep and polished. Finishes long and flavorfully. Best from 2002 through 2012.

Inky ruby. Impressively complex bouquet of cassis, cherry-cola, potpourri, graphite and Asian spices; lots going on here. Juicy, finely etched dark fruit flavors are sweetened by a suave vanillin oak quality and firmed by silky tannins. The spiciness carries through the long, seductively sweet finish. Showing very nicely today.

A deep ruby core. Gorgeous ripe raspberry and currant with soft oak notes of vanilla. A touch of roast coffee adds to the dazzling range of aromas. On the palate, layers of clean, direct fruit show themselves varyingly with each sip as flavors of black currant and brown spice intensifies.

Dense, purple-black color that indicating extraordinarily high extract and viscosity this highly sought after red blend shows dark fruit, inviting oak notes of cinnamon and nutmeg and touches of black pepper and cocoa. This is an intense and powerful wine, worthy of cellaring.

The 2007 Isosceles is dense with a purple-black core. Aromas of black and blue berries made more complex with oak notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, with a touch of roast coffee. Intense black fruit flavors on the palate, with notes of cocoa and coffee, very dry but satisfying richness.

The highest expression of our winemaking abilities. Our iconic Bordeaux blend was always the dream concept of Justin Baldwin, in the model of the great Bordeaux left-bank wines of Pauillac and Margaux. Over 20 years of experience have helped guide us 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.