This is one of the more widely available Cabs in American restaurants, and yet manages to be thoroughly enjoyable despite the large production amounts. Blackberry, violet, warm fudge and loamy soil aromas kick off the nose, and then the palate is enveloped in polished yet expansive tannins. Flavors of black currant, vanilla and anise float through the sip.
93 WE 2018
This widely available bottling remains a very wise choice for the price point. Dark in the glass, it begins with cassis, pie crust and baking spice on the nose, yet there’s a savory black-olive touch as well. Firm yet polished tannins carry dark fruit, cocoa and light licorice through the dense palate.
92 WE 2020
Dried berry paste and light oak aromas show on the restrained nose of this always popular bottling. Smoothly integrated tannins surround the sip, where steadily rising flavors of blackberry and strawberry are dusted in milk chocolate and herb elements.
The Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon is primarily sourced from the relatively cool El Pomar District sub-AVA in Paso Robles, where the J. Lohr Shotwell Vineyard is located. A lesser amount is from the J. Lohr Beck Vineyard, located at a 1,700 foot elevation in the Creston District. The blend also utilizes a collection of other small sites in the Paso Robles AVA. Blessed with long summer days of intense sunshine, our near 100°F daytime temperatures are followed by chilly, ocean-cooled nights in the 50s. These Cabernet vines are naturally stressed in the dry, often very gravelly, and sometimes lime shale-laden soils. Water is at a premium in these vineyards, enabling the viticulturist to fine-tune irrigation, resulting in the darkest possible fruit with resolved tannins year after year. It's effusive with fresh varietal aromas of black cherry and hints of toasted pastry and baking spice on the nose. Dense and soft on the palate. Elegant layers of black and red currants leave a bright finish. This wine has earned the Certified California Sustainable seal.
*Ratings will vary by vintage. Vintage dependent upon availability
Specific vintages may not be available. If a chosen vintage is no longer available, a comparable vintage of the same wine may be substituted. Always check the bottle(s) for vintage if shopping in a store.
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