Last week, when we reviewed the Ancient Peaks cabernet sauvignon, I was singing the praises of cabernet sauvignon from Paso Robles. So, I thought it would be good to highlight yet another fine Paso Robles cabernet.
This one comes from Villa San-Juliette, a brand we’ve tasted before. This brand is owned by the producers of American Idol, and many other shows. But thankfully, they’ve hired a professional winemaker to do the actual wine making, rather than having television executives play vintners in real life.
The good news is that this wine continues the theme of awesomeness from Paso Robles cabernet sauvignon. The bad news is… well, I don’t really have any.
The nose on this wine is soothing and beautiful. It has a softness to it, and by that I don’t mean that it’s soft as in lacking intensity but rather it’s soft in texture. I know that may sound weird to say a smell has texture, but it does in a way. Some wines can smell harsh and rough, but the aromas from this wine are soft and and gentle on your nose. There’s a lot going on aromatically too, with fragrances like licorice, vanilla, cherry, cassis and tobacco. The palate is brimming with ripe fruit flavors like plum, cherry and blackberry. It’s a little on the sweet side up front, but becomes more tart on the midpalate and finish. The finish also brings a splash of black tea, which is a touch on the bitter side, but not offensively so. The acidity is sufficient and the tannins are enough to give a richness to the mouthfeel. Overall, it’s a tasty and satisfying wine.
Wine: Villa San-Juliette Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 14.5%
Rating: 88
Price: $17.00
Find Villa San-Juliette Cabernet Sauvignon with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.