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
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.
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.
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.
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.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
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.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
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