Paso Robles is one of California’s most exciting up and coming wine regions. Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, real estate here is still affordable enough that you can find excellent wines at reasonable prices. Although Paso is quickly gaining a reputation as a world-class region for syrah, it is cabernet sauvignon from this AVA that first caught the attention of wine enthusiasts. Hot days ensure that the grapes ripen fully, without any green or vegetal characters, while marine influenced cold nights help the wines retain structure and acidity, and prevent over-ripeness, which could otherwise easily occur under the blistering Paso sun.
Sculpterra is a relatively new wine label, but its finest wines are sourced from family-owned estate vineyards planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1995. The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful example of lush, ripe Paso cabernet. Deep red in color, the nose is dominated by black cherry, with accents of cedar, tobacco, and anise. It is monstrous on the palate, with sweet blackberry, raspberry and cassis, and hints of vanilla and smoke. Round, ripe, mouth-coating tannin and good acidity balance out the intense fruit flavors, providing structure through the persistent finish.
This is definitely a wine for fans of big, intense California cabernet, made in an open, accessible style perfect for drinking right away or for short-term cellaring. Very concentrated, this is the kind of red wine that can be enjoyed on its own, or with bold flavors such as grilled meat, pizza, or burgers. In style and quality, the 2006 Sculpterra is similar to a well-made Napa Valley cab, but at half the price!
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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
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.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
