Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2012: Excellent Paso Robles effort made with satisfying restraint; big, juicy fruit, blackberries, plum, black cherry, blueberry, vanilla; creamy mouth with structure and complexity for the price. Cab aged mainly in French oak, but some in American and Hungarian oak, for eight months, then petit verdot and tannat were added for structure and freshness. Final blend aged an additional year in oak to integrate the flavors. In spite of 20 months in various oaks, this remarkably is not frightening oak monster. Vina Robles cabs regularly score very well, and this carries on the tradition and exhibits skill in blending and use of oak. It is medium-full bodied, modest alcohol (13.7%) for Cal cab, balanced, good acidity and well-behaved tannin, a tasty change of pace from massive Napa cabs. Paso Robles is rising star wine growing area at southern end of California Central Coast region; at some 666,500 acres, it is one of California’s largest regions, covering northern half of San Luis Obispo County. It consistently produces rich, ripe reds from warm-climate grape varieties. This smoothly delicious effort is clearly worth a cork-pull on your wine bucket list. $21
