JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon
JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery is located in Paso Robles in California’s Central Coast region. William Randolph Hearst’s famous “castle,” San Simeon, is due west over the Sierra Madre mountains.
JUSTIN was founded in 1981 by Justin Baldwin when he planted the 160-acre property with the major grapes of Bordeaux, and the emphasis on Bordeaux-style blends and single varietals remains to this day. In addition to the estate vineyard, JUSTIN sources grapes from thirteen affiliated growers in the area.
The winery’s three prime areas of focus are: a “left bank” Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, named Isosceles, JUSTIN’s flagship and most well-known offering; Justification, its “right bank” Merlot and Cabernet Franc cousin; and varietal bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. They also produce limited amounts of Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.
Billionaire Stewart Resnick bought JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery in late 2010. Resnick also controls Fiji Water, Pom Wonderful, and Teleflora. He also owns the Sonoma County wineries Landmark and Hop Kiln.
Justin Baldwin is still casually involved with the winery, but the winemaking falls to Napa Valley veteran Scott Shirley, who has maintained and even expanded JUSTIN’s quality and reputation. JUSTIN was named the 2015 American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
JUSTIN Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
After a balanced growing season and unchallenging harvest, JUSTIN’s ‘09 Cabernet was matured for 16 months in French and American oak, 33% of it new.
In the glass, this wine is a not-quite opaque ruby red. It features aromas of black fruits, with a vanilla note from the oak. Surprisingly, there were almost no legs.
Its taste offers up red and black cherries and red currents, although the fruit is somewhat recessive, and is reflective of JUSTIN’s preference for an old-world style, rather than what one might usually expect from the Central Coast. The wine is nicely tannic, with a medium finish.
This food-friendly wine would work well with Yankee Pot Roast, Creole Pork Chops, or Chicken Cacciatore.
It is my position that although you will see vintage dates throughout Winervana, I don’t put too much importance on them. Most producers these days strive for a consistent style, and largely succeed. To test that, read my post about the 2017 JUSTIN Cabernet here. and the 2023 JUSTIN Cabernet here.
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