Justin Cabernet: A Guide to the Popular Wine Variety

Justin Cabernet is a world-class wine produced by JUSTIN Winery, located in the heart of California. JUSTIN Winery specializes in Bordeaux-style varieties, combined with traditional winemaking practices, and produces some of the finest wines in the world. The Cabernet Sauvignon is one of their most popular wines and has won numerous awards and accolades.

The 2019 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptionally balanced wine, showing both rich, complex fruit and a fresh palate even in its youth. It is a versatile red wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes and is a great value for its price. The 2020 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is another excellent vintage, with a retail price of $30 and a Wine Society price of $24. The Wine Society is a membership program that offers exclusive discounts, special event invitations, complimentary tastings, and more.

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking for a great bottle to share with friends, Justin Cabernet is a must-try. Its exceptional quality, combined with its affordable price point, make it a great choice for any occasion. With its rich, complex flavors and fresh palate, it's no wonder why Justin Cabernet is America's #1 luxury Cabernet Sauvignon.

Overview of Justin Cabernet Sauvignon

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is a premium red wine produced by Justin Vineyards & Winery located in Paso Robles, California. It is a well-known wine that has gained popularity among wine enthusiasts and critics alike due to its exceptional quality and taste.

Origins and Appellation

The Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from grapes sourced from the Paso Robles wine region. The region is known for its varied mesoclimates that permit a range of varietals to thrive, including Cabernet Sauvignon. The appellation is located in the central coast of California and is known for its unique climate and soil conditions.

Justin Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1981 by Justin Baldwin, who was inspired by the wines of Bordeaux. The winery has since then been producing high-quality wines, including the Justin Cabernet Sauvignon.

Varietal Composition

The Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The grapes are carefully selected and handpicked to ensure only the best quality grapes are used in the production process. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for up to 18 months to enhance its flavor and complexity.

The wine has a deep ruby color and a complex aroma that includes notes of dark fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and coffee. The tannins are firm and well-structured, giving the wine a long and satisfying finish.

Overall, the Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is a premium wine that is a testament to the quality of the grapes and the expertise of the winemakers. It is a wine that is well-suited for special occasions or for those who appreciate a high-quality wine.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Vineyard Practices

The Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes grown in Paso Robles, California. The vineyard practices at Justin Vineyards and Winery are focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The vineyard is planted with a variety of rootstocks and clones to ensure diversity and complexity in the wine. The vines are trained using a vertical shoot positioning system, which allows for optimal sunlight exposure and air circulation. The vineyard employs a variety of trellising techniques to manage the canopy and promote even ripening of the fruit.

Harvesting and Fermentation

The grapes for Justin Cabernet Sauvignon are hand-picked and sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used. The grapes are then destemmed and crushed before undergoing fermentation. The fermentation process is carried out using UV43 yeast, which is known for its ability to enhance varietal character and produce complex flavors. The fermentation takes place in closed-top tanks made of stainless steel. Pump-overs are used during fermentation to ensure even extraction of color and flavor.

Maturation Process

After fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in small oak barrels. The barrels are made of French oak and are toasted to a medium level to impart subtle flavors of vanilla and spice. The maturation process allows the wine to develop complexity and depth. The wine is then blended and bottled, where it continues to age and develop in the bottle.

Overall, the viticulture and winemaking practices at Justin Vineyards and Winery are focused on producing high-quality wines that are reflective of the terroir and the varietal. The use of sustainable practices and careful attention to detail throughout the winemaking process ensures that the Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of exceptional quality and character.

Tasting Profile

Aroma and Bouquet

The aroma of Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is complex and balanced, with notes of black cherry, red berries, and blackcurrant fruit, along with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and fresh sage. The wine also has subtle dried rose petal and toasted oak aromas, which add depth and complexity to the bouquet.

Palate and Flavor

On the palate, Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and savory, with flavors of blackberry, black fruit, and cherry. The wine also has a hint of autumn leaf and licorice, which add a touch of sweetness and spice to the flavor profile. The mid palate is well-balanced, with a nice mix of fruit and spice, while the finish is moderately long and clean, showing baking spice, cedar, and subtle camphor over sustained complex fruit.

Appearance and Structure

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby core that lightens at the rim of the glass, with moderately thick, slow-forming tears. The wine has a high alcohol content of 14.5%, which contributes to its full-bodied structure and complex flavor profile. The wine also has a nice mix of tannins, which provide a firm structure and balance to the wine's fruit and spice notes. Overall, Justin Cabernet Sauvignon has a classic Cabernet character, with a nice mix of flavors and textures that make it a versatile red wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Justin Cabernet is a full-bodied wine with rich flavors of dark fruit, vanilla, and spice. It pairs well with a variety of foods, especially those with bold and savory flavors. Here are some food pairing suggestions to enhance your Justin Cabernet experience.

Red Meat and Game

Justin Cabernet is an excellent pairing for red meat and game. It complements the rich and savory flavors of steak and filet mignon, especially when cooked to medium-rare or medium. The wine's tannins help cut through the fat and bring out the meat's natural flavors. For game meats such as venison or bison, Justin Cabernet's bold flavors stand up to the meat's unique taste.

Cheese and Charcuterie

For cheese and charcuterie plates, Justin Cabernet pairs well with hard sheep's milk cheeses and salami. The wine's bold flavors stand up to the strong flavors of the cheese and salami, while its tannins help cut through the fat. The wine's vanilla and spice notes complement the saltiness of the charcuterie, creating a well-rounded pairing.

Herb-Infused Dishes

Justin Cabernet's bold flavors also pair well with herb-infused dishes such as garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes or herb-crusted lamb chops. The wine's tannins help balance the dish's richness, while its vanilla and spice notes complement the herbs' flavors. Homemade pizzas and pasta Bolognese also pair well with Justin Cabernet, especially when topped with fresh herbs such as basil or thyme.

Overall, Justin Cabernet pairs well with bold and savory dishes that can stand up to its full-bodied flavor profile. When in doubt, reach for a hearty red meat dish or a cheese and charcuterie plate to complement the wine's rich flavors.

Aging and Cellaring

Justin Cabernet is a wine that has the potential to age gracefully for many years. Understanding its aging potential and optimal drinking window can help you enjoy this wine at its best.

Aging Potential

Justin Cabernet is known for its aging potential. The wine has a dark ruby purple core and is full-bodied with fine tannins. The tannins in the wine are firm and provide structure, which allows the wine to age well. With proper cellaring, Justin Cabernet can age for up to 20 years or more.

Optimal Drinking Window

The optimal drinking window for Justin Cabernet depends on the vintage. The wine is typically released 2-3 years after the vintage date, but it is recommended to wait at least 5 years before opening a bottle. During this time, the wine will develop and mature, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavors to become more complex.

For example, the 2016 vintage of Justin Cabernet has a recommended drinking window of 2022-2036. This means that the wine can be enjoyed anytime between those years, but it will be at its best towards the middle of that range.

It is important to note that not all vintages of Justin Cabernet will have the same aging potential or optimal drinking window. Factors such as weather conditions during the growing season and winemaking techniques can affect the wine's aging potential.

In conclusion, Justin Cabernet is a wine that can be enjoyed young or aged for many years. Understanding its aging potential and optimal drinking window can help you appreciate this wine at its best.

Justin's Wine Portfolio

Justin Winery is known for producing world-class wines from the heart of California. Their wine portfolio is extensive, offering a wide range of varietals and blends that cater to different palates. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most notable wines in Justin's portfolio.

The Isosceles Blend

One of Justin's most famous wines is the Isosceles blend. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. It is a luxurious wine that is rich and complex, with flavors of black cherry, cassis, and vanilla. The Isosceles blend is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, which gives it a smooth and velvety texture.

Reserve and Luxury Selections

Justin Winery also offers a selection of Reserve and Luxury wines. These wines are made from the best grapes from the best vineyards, and they are aged in oak barrels for an extended period. The Reserve and Luxury wines are known for their complexity, depth, and elegance.

The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout wine in this category. It is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, and it is aged in oak barrels for 20 months. The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine that is rich and intense, with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and chocolate.

Another notable wine in this category is the Luxury Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is made from the best grapes from the best vineyards, and it is aged in oak barrels for 24 months. The Luxury Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful and complex wine that is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of black cherry, cassis, and vanilla.

Overall, Justin's wine portfolio is impressive, with a wide range of varietals and blends that cater to different palates. Whether you are a fan of Californian Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon or the Isosceles blend, there is something for everyone in Justin's wine portfolio.

Consumer Information

Pricing and Availability

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a reasonably priced wine that offers good value for its quality. It is available at several online retailers, including Wine.com and The Independent Wine Company. The wine is also available at some local wine shops and liquor stores. The price may vary depending on the retailer and location, but it typically ranges from $20 to $35 per bottle.

Serving Recommendations

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. It is a full-bodied wine with rich flavors of black cherry, black currant, vanilla, cinnamon, and oak. The wine has a smooth finish and moderate tannins, making it easy to drink on its own or with food.

When serving Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, it is recommended to decant the wine for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow it to breathe and open up. The wine should be served at room temperature, around 60-65°F. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty pasta dishes.

Overall, Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a great choice for those looking for a reasonably priced, versatile red wine. Its rich flavors and smooth finish make it a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress.

Winemaker's Philosophy

Approach to Winemaking

Justin Vineyards and Winery is renowned for producing world-class wines from the heart of California. The winery's philosophy is to combine traditional Old World methods with New World technology to create exceptional wines that are both balanced and approachable.

The winemaker's approach to winemaking is to use only the highest quality grapes, which are hand-picked and sorted by the berry for consistent quality and flavor. The grapes are then fermented in small batches to ensure that each wine has its own unique character and flavor profile.

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic red wine that is dry and has a fresh palate. The wine is aged in a combination of American and French oak barrels to impart flavors of sweet spice, dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, and herbal character. The oak aging also adds complexity and depth to the wine, making it a perfect pairing for classic filet mignon or dark chocolate gâteau.

Sustainability and Innovation

Justin Vineyards and Winery is committed to sustainability and innovation in winemaking. The winery uses sustainable farming practices to ensure that the land is preserved for future generations. The winery also uses innovative winemaking techniques to reduce its environmental impact, such as solar power and water conservation practices.

In addition, the winery is committed to giving back to the community. Justin Vineyards and Winery supports local charities and organizations, such as the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation and the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum.

Overall, Justin Vineyards and Winery's philosophy is to create exceptional wines that are both approachable and sustainable. The winery's commitment to quality and innovation has made it one of the most respected wineries in California and beyond.