Showing posts with label Isosceles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Isosceles. Show all posts

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Justin Isosceles & Justification Paso Robles Red Wines 2013

Justin Isosceles & Justification Paso Robles Red Wines 2013

I admit I've never been a huge fan of Justin Isosceles, finding the Paso Robles terroir impact a bit too brambly for my preference. So it was with a slight bit of skepticism that I tasted the 2013 at Binny's Friday night table tasting. Wow. Not only was this the most impressive Isosceles in memory, it was truly exciting and memorable. I'd consider this a must buy for those seeking a premium Cabernet Blend for this vintage, or at least a must try.

Justin Isosceles 2013

Isosceles of course if the flagship wine of Justin Vineyards and Winery since 1981, from the mountains above Paso Robles between the City on Hwy 101 and the Pacific Central California Coast. Since 1981, producer Justin Baldwin has tended 160 acres of Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

This 2013 is an eye opener for me and puts Paso Robles and Justin Vineyards and Winery on the map as a producer to pay more attention to, and as a wine discovery adventure destination. In the meantime, pick up and try this impressive release. 

Producers Notes: This sums it up very well and is worth noting.

Appearance: Bright, near opaque, ruby purple core with a narrow, moderate intensity rim and slow forming slightly stained tears.

Aroma: Intense and complex with aromas of ripe black fruit, baking spice, sweet tobacco, leather, cocoa, oak barrel elements with subtle smoky eucalyptus accents.

Palate: Dry and full-bodied with rich black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and licorice spice notes on the entry. Savory, herbal and mint notes appear, followed by dark chocolate and smoky oak elements on the mid palate. The finish is very long and crisp with a complex interplay between the savory mid-palate and returning fruit of red cherry candy and sweet spice with a floral hint of violet, all framed by soft, chewy tannins. The 2013 Isosceles is drinking exceptionally well at release but has the structure to further develop beautifully over time. Great with classic cab fare like rich braised short ribs or grilled leg of lamb with garlic and herbs, the 2013 Isosceles also drinks well on its own due to its exceptional balance of flavor and texture even when young.

Blend 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot

This was truly unique in its character and flavor profile. I was taken aback by the bright vibrant expressive cherry and black currant fruits punctuated by a luscious floral perfume of silky sweet cinnamon with hints of vanilla and mocha chocolate on the smooth lingering finish.

RM 94 points. 


http://www.justinwine.com/wines/red/2013-isosceles/

Justin Justification 2013

This is Justin's Right Bank Bordeaux blend, being Merlot based vs. Left Bank Cabernet predominant. While Merlot typically would be slightly softer and more mellow than more forward Cabernet, this is actually mostly Cabernet Franc which is put into Bordeaux Blends for punctuation of spice and bright bold sprites. Voila! With its Cab Franc core, this is bright, tangy spicy and expressive. This is more the style that I associate with Justin red blends.

Once again, as above, I offer the Producer's notes on this wine.

COLOR:  Deep ruby purplish core lightening to medium intensity at the rim.
AROMA:  Ripe red cherry, blackcurrant and just-rip blackberry, with rich vanilla and cinnamon spice and an attractive savory and herbal character.
PALATE:  Full and complex with an elegant mix of ripe red fruit, primarily cherry with cassis and a little plum, and rich baking spice on the entry. A little dusty, savory cabernet franc charm emerges on the mid-palate along with subtle mint and eucalyptus notes leading to a long, clean finish.

Blend - 58% Cabernet Franc 42% Merlot

While I normally love bold tangy spicy wines, I prefer it as a complementary tone, not as the main course. When combined with the brambly Paso Robles terroir character and the profile of an expressive vintage, this is almost a bit over the top for me, which I very rarely say. 

Dark blackish garnet color medium bodied, forward concentrated bright expressive tangy spicy black berry fruits accented with tones of anise, oaky and hints of smoke and creosote finishing with gripping tannins. Perhaps a couple years of aging will tame this bruiser a bit.

RM 89 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2161407

http://www.justinwine.com/wines/red/justification-2013/



Sunday, May 24, 2015

BBQ on the deck features medley of Red Wines

Late Spring BBQ on the deck features medley of Red Wines

A pleasant late spring evening on the deck at Bill and Beth's with Bob and Gloria, chargrilled burgers, caprese and summer salads with a medley of wines provided a delightful setting to watch the Blackhawks struggle to a game 4 playoff win in double OT.

Hazy Blur Barossa Shiraz 2004

This is a fun wine, great for easy sipping on the deck with burgers, but its not a simple sipper by any means with its robust full bodied fruit forward profile.

We've enjoyed the various labels from this producer on many occasions including a super New Year's eve (2009) horizontal brand tasting at Bill and Beth's, shown in the link here, and an earlier vintage of this same label just earlier this week. Interesting that this '04 was showing well and still holding its fruit nicely, compared to the '02 which was showing its age.

Dark garnet colored, full bodied, rich concentrated black and blue fruits with tones of spice, hints of vanilla, smoke and pepper.

RM 91 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=150186

Justin Paso Robles Iscosceles 2007

This may have been the best Isosceles I can remember. The hotter Paso Robles clime tends to add a harsh edge to the Bordeaux varietals at times but this release was quite nice - polished and balanced for smooth easy drinking.

Dark ruby colored, medium to full bodied, black berry and black cherry with a red berry tone, hints of sweet mocha and anise and a touch of sweet oak on the back palate with soft tannins provide easy approachable sipping. A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot.

RM 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=786610

http://www.justinwine.com/




Constant Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1998

We discovered and acquired this wine with Bill and Beth during our Napa Valley Diamond Mountain Wine Experience back in 2011, at the spectacular winery high atop Diamond Mountain.

Dark garnet colored, the medium body and softer more moderate profile of this wine render it more approachable for casual drinking although it is complex and sophisticated enough to stand up to foods for an elegant dinner. 

Bill's notes from an earlier tasting: "Clove, pepper and smoke on the nose. Medium bodied but the spice carries over on the palate along with plum, cassis and blackberry. Still ample but well integrated tannins. Update: evolved after 2 hours to reveal additional minerality with notes of leather and mocha."

A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 22% Cabernet Franc.

WCC 92 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=395853