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!
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.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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.
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.
