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
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
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.
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