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This week we are pleased to offer another wine from Paso Robles pioneer Eberle Vineyards, this time showcasing their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from 30 year old vines from the Eberle Estate Vineyard. Paso can be a great source for less expensive Cabernet, and while the Paso heat can sometimes result in an over the top wine, the cooler 2006 combined with Gary Eberle’s light touch in winemaking resulted in a wine that while very rich, is also beautifully balanced.
Deep garnet in color, the 2006 Eberle Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has powerful aromas of black currant, cherry, pomegranate, plum, baking spice and a hint of vanilla. The palate shows earthy notes more common in cooler climate Cab, along with plenty of cherry and berry fruit, and a touch of cocoa. While intensely flavored, this wine is actually medium bodied, with good acidity and a certain rusticity more typical of an Old World wine, allowing it to pair gracefully with food.
While we are often able to find great deals on Cabernet from Napa and Sonoma, it is areas like Paso Robles that are able to consistently deliver high quality wines at reasonable prices. This Eberle Cabernet is a great example of a wine that over delivers on quality and intensity, and at under $30 is an incredible bargain. Stock up now, and take some on a picnic with cheese and cured meat, or save it for the winter and serve it with grilled steak.
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Paso Robles
Vineyard: Estate
Alcohol: 15.0%
Acidity: .65
pH: 3.48
Brix at Harvest: 25˚
Date Harvested: 10/12/06
Cases Produced: 3468
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
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