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!
93 Points
Deep red hue and hints of violet teasing the senses with seductive aromas of dark fruits, wild berries, cocoa, baking spices, leather, and cigar box. Filled with saturated flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cassis, cherry cola, ripe plum, chopped mint leaves, while the palate unfolds with rich tannin, juicy acidity, and flavors of cherry gastrique, berry coulis, herb mélange, and licorice.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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.
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.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
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
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.
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.
