Winery of the Year - International Sommelier Challenge, 2011
Platinum Medal - Sommelier Challenge, 2011
93 Points - Robert Whitley, winereviewonline.com, 2011
92 Points - Cabernet Shootout, 2011
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast, April 2011
Gold Medal - Orange County Fair, 2011
Gold Medal - West Coast Wine Competition, 2011
After a few weeks in Northern California, this week WineHeist heads south to the Central Coast, and more specifically to Paso Robles, home to some of the best quality to price ratio red wines in California. We have written in the past about Eberle Winery, and owner/winemaker Gary Eberle's history in Paso Robles dating back to 1973. One of the advantages that having such a long history in one place is the ability to make wine from vines that are not only fully mature, but that the winemaker has had a chance to really get to know. This attention to detail is evident in every aspect of Eberle’s 2007 Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and it shows in the litany of medals and 90+ point scores that this wine has received.
The 2007 Eberle Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from thirty-year-old vines, is deep garnet in color. The nose is unmistakably Cabernet, with kirsch, leather, dark chocolate and blackberry aromas. The palate is equally expressive, with flavors leaning more toward blueberry, black cherry, and eucalyptus. Lush and full bodied, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is made a fruit forward style typical of Paso Robles, and perfect for drinking in the near term. This has the stuffing to hold up to whatever the last days of winter may hold in store for us, but it also has the fresh fruit flavors that make it well suited to warm weather drinking. At just $27, you will not find a better bargain on an estate grown, mature vineyard Cabernet anywhere in California.
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Paso Robles
Vineyard: Estate
Alcohol: 14.9%
Acidity: .66
pH: 3.55
Brix at Harvest: 25.7˚
Date Harvested: 10/23/07
Cases Produced: 3532
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PDF