I’m a fan of Vina Robles and winemaker Kevin Willenborg. We’ve met over wine more than once between the Cab Collective and at the winery in Paso Robles. They sent me their latest wines to review…and I was very pleased with:

Eve’s Tasting Notes

2012 RED4

Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre

16 months in 30% new oak barrels

13.9% alcohol

Aroma

Blackberry, bark, chocolate, black pepper and a hint o’mint.

Taste

Dark fruit jam, pepper again and layers of oak.

 

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon – Estate

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Tannat

20 months in oak barrels

13.7% alcohol

Aroma

Blueberry, raspberry, menthol, wet rose garden, grape jelly, fine suede, bark.

Taste

Dark fruit, smoke, dark chocolate coffee. Would expect to have to lay this one down, which is certainly an option, but I would drink now.

 

From Vina Robles http://www.vinarobles.com/our_wines/current_releases

2012 RED4 – $17

Description

The Power of 4 – this Paso blend is more delicious than the sum of its parts. It combines grape varieties mainly from our prestigious Huerhuero Vineyard, located in the rolling hills of Paso Robles. Here, warm afternoons and cool evening breezes influence the grapes to perfect ripeness. The grapes were picked at cooler morning temperatures and cold soaked for two days prior to fermentation. Variable pump-over techniques were implemented during progressive stages of fermentation to enhance fruit extraction and balance out the tannin structure. The wine was then aged in both small and large format French, European and American oak barrels for 16 months in order to add complexity while enhancing a soft, velvety finish. Vina Robles’ RED4 blend showcases the spice and cherry qualities of Syrah, the structure of Petite Sirah, the forward fruit of Grenache, and the rustic character of Mourvèdre. This intriguing, youthful wine is your perfect dinner companion.

Enjoy now through 2018.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Ruby garnet
• Aroma: Dark fruit and pomegranate with savory spice
• Taste: Medium-bodied with rich cherry fruit, sweet chalky tannins and hints of cocoa on the finish

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate – $24

Description

The fruit for our 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon was selected from three of our estate vineyards in Paso Robles. It was handpicked and sorted in the early morning to ensure quality and uniformity of ripeness. Afterwards, the fruit was destemmed and gently crushed into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Pump-overs took place regularly to enhance color and help extract tannins from the skin. After pressing, the wine was racked into barrels to complete malolactic fermentation. While the majority of wine was aged in French oak, we also used some American and Hungarian oak barrels for added nuances and complexity. After 8 months of aging and extensive blending trials, some Petit Verdot was added to enhance the wine’s structure and Tannat to add fleshiness. The final blend was then aged for an additional 12 months in barrels to fully integrate before bottling.

Enjoy now through 2022.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Garnet
• Aroma: Dark currants with hints of fine tobacco and sandalwood
• Taste: Medium-bodied; rich dark fruit; complex with a structured, creamy finish