2016 Justin Justification

About Justin Justification 2016:

This wine expresses the spirit of a few Right-Bank Bordeaux producers by blending Merlot and Cabernet Franc with its complex expression of herbs, red fruit and elegant structure, but with a Paso Robles twist of full, mature fruit.

Tasting Notes:

Justin Justification wine has a dark ruby purple core with blue/black secondary hue, a medium rim with thick tears showing slight staining on the glass. It is aromatic and complex with ripe red cherry, black currant and a little berry with vanilla, cinnamon and licorice spice, cedar and graphite notes, oak, leather, dried autumn leaves and a minty hint of camphor. The wine is moderate plus to full bodied, dry, with ripe cherry and cassis mixed with baking spice on entry joined by cedar and oak on the mid-palate with complex savory, herbal elements. The finish is long, balanced and clean, with returning red and black fruit and perfectly proportioned, fine, mouth-filling tannins.

Growing Notes:

Rich in fossilized limestone from eons of marine deposits, JUSTIN’s soil is ideally suited to creating big, Bordeaux-style reds. The limestone “stresses” the vines, producing grapes that fully express their varietal character.

Paso Robles’ distinctive microclimate offers the widest day-night temperature swings of any grape-growing region in California. The hot days allow the grapes to develop intense flavor, while the cool nights create great structure and balance.

Winemaking Notes:

The grapes are hand-picked and sorted by-the-berry for consistent quality and flavor. JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in traditional small oak barrels to impart depth and complexity, highlighting the exceptional balance of flavors and textures that the unique climate and soils of Paso Robles add to the classic Cabernet character in this exceptional wine.

Blend of 57% Merlot and 43% Cabernet Franc

About The Winery:

Justin Winery and Vineyards LLC planted their first vineyard back in 1981 with a mission to make world-class Bordeaux-style blends. Since then, they’ve expanded both their knowledge of viticulture in this unique region as well as the acreage.

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is more than a beautiful place to drink exceptional wine. It’s a unique viticultural microclimate. It’s a MICHELIN-starred restaurant. It’s world-class accommodations. It’s tasting rooms at the vineyard and in downtown Paso Robles, and more.

Rich in fossilized limestone from eons of marine deposits, JUSTIN’s soil is ideally suited to creating big, Bordeaux-style reds. The limestone “stresses” the vines, producing grapes that fully express their varietal character.

Paso Robles’ distinctive microclimate offers the widest day-night temperature swings of any grape-growing region in California. The hot days allow the grapes to develop intense flavor, while the cool nights create great structure and balance.

After creating award-winning wine in Napa Valley for 13 vintages, JUSTIN Winemaker Scott Shirley took on the challenge of an entirely new appellation: Paso Robles. He combines a scientific background with an artistic approach, and greets each harvest like a painter facing a blank canvas with endless possibilities.