J Wilkes Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

El Paso de Robles (which means Pass of the oak trees) was co-founded by Kentucky outlaws Frank and Jesse James’ uncle Drury around 1869 during the big days gold rush of California. “Paso Robles is still considered by many as the wine industry’s wild west, characterized by that same rule breaking diversity and innovative spirit in which the town was founded.”

This AVA is known for big, bold reds. If you are curious, seek out their Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux Blends, Zinfandel, Rhône blends or Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera. All of these thick skinned varieties love the heat, calcareous soils, dryness, elevation and lack of rainfall of this region. These rich, sweet-fruited red wines with a plush mid-palate, high alcohol levels and balanced acidity.

The Paso Robles style are richer, fuller and textured ready-drinking Cabernets and Bordeaux blends with flavors of anise, cola, peppercorns, finishing with textured minerality and bright acidity.

J Wilkes Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 from Paso Robles - it’s rich, silky and full of soft tannins, flavors of violet, cherry, red plum, red currant, raspberry, dill, smoke, chocolate, vanilla, bramble, licorice and cedar.

Pair this wine with sirloin steak tip and zucchini kebabs, grilled lamb burgers or portobello mushroom and sage burgers.