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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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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