Justin Isosceles Paso Robles 2012

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "The Paso pioneer’s annual bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc does not disappoint, offering aromas of plump, dark blueberry, tart Bing cherry and bay leaf. The palate offers crushed herbs--from oregano and thyme to rosemary and dill--alongside more blueberry fruit and a solid yet smooth tannic structure. Alcohol 15.5%. (Mar 2016)"

92 points Anthony Dias Blue (The Tasting Panel): "A Paso Robles flagship, velvety texture and lots of ripe berries and chocolate; dense, deep and long. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc. (Dec 2015)"

91 points Jeb Dunnuck (Wine Advocate): "The estate's Cabernet-dominated release, the 2012 Isosceles checks in as 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc, all of which spent 21 months in new French oak. It's a medium to full-bodied, supple, pure and balanced effort that offers lots of toasted spice, cedar, tobacco leaf and cassis-like aromas and flavors. Showing hints of chalky minerality and plenty of tannin on the finish, it will have 10-12+ years of longevity. Drink: 2016-2025. (Aug 2015)"

91 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Glass-staining ruby. Heady smoke- and spice-tinged aromas of cherry pie, cassis, potpourri, pipe tobacco and allspice, with a touch of vanilla slowly emerging. Juicy and penetrating, with intense black and blue fruit flavors that spread out and stain the palate. The sweet, gently tannic finish displays excellent clarity and lift and a lingering note of candied rose. Drink: 2020-2027. (Sep 2015)"

Producer notes: "77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc. Bright, deep ruby/purple core going to medium intensity at the rim. Intense aromas of ripe black cherry and blackcurrant with classic baking spice elements, sweet tobacco, cocoa, coffee, cedar and subtle mint. Full-bodied with concentrated ripe black cherry, cassis and boysenberry jam on the entry, layered with toasted vanilla, cinnamon, and licorice spice. Classic cabernet savory notes emerge on the mid-palate with dark chocolate, coffee and minty accents. The finish is extremely long, balanced and fresh, with continued layering of black fruit, cherry candy and spice elements all framed perfectly with mouth-filling but very fine tannins that surround and support the wine’s flavorful core. Drinking well on release, the 2012 Isosceles will continue to develop in bottle showing further complexity, grace and precision as its elements continue to interact. Food Pairings: A perfect accompaniment to hearty meat dishes like braised beef ribs, a ribeye steak right off the grill, or just on its own. Barrel aged 21 months in 100% New French oak. Alcohol 15.5%."