GOLD MEDAL - Sommelier Challenge, 2009
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - California Grapevine
3 STARS/RECOMMENDED - Decanter, February 2010
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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
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
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.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering 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.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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