2018 Ragtag Wine Co. Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $46)

As much as I love both California Cabernet and the wines of Paso Robles, these days I’m finding it harder to make the case for Paso Cabernet. They’ve alway represented good quality, but particularly in the last ten years or so, I’ve seen a lot of producers increasing their usage of Oak influence to an almost hyperbolic level. Yes, the level of ripeness you get from Cab in Paso can take a bit more of it, but I feel there’s a number of producers who have jumped the shark on the level of oak, overshadowing the fruit expression and balance of the final wine. That’s what is excellent about this bottling of Ragtag Cabernet. This is a totally new producer to me, and what I love about this wine is that it definitely has Paso Robles soul, but without crossing the line on Oak. The concentration of fruit here is deep and velvety, with sweet cherry fruit, fig preserves and blackberry coulis. The profile is smooth and sleek, accented with just enough Oak to add spice and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. This is the best executed wine I’ve had from Paso in a long, long time.

Stop what you're assuming about Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon and take a long look at this one. Although it has velvet smooth big black fruits, it also has acidity (care of some nice minerals) and light tannin with cedary spice. Nicely savory overtones to balance the rich dark cassis and boysenberry fruits. Another one of those great bargains that Ryan seems to be finding these days. Will likely not last long, inventory wise.

Fresh aromas of blackberry, black plums, blackcurrant, fig, rosemary, violet, nutmeg, hint of cedar. On the palate, juicy dark berries, black fruits, savory dried spices, and a spicy, refreshing finish. This powerful single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, maintains it's balance and freshness through ample acidity, and structure through well integrated use of French and American oak. What a delicious value at this price!

Wow! This is one serious bottle of Cabernet! From a single vineyard in El Pomar District of Paso Robles. The vines here at Dos Robles Vineyard were planted back in 1994 on a steep, rocky hillside. It's a powerful Cabernet with plenty of pure fruit and structure. Bright notes of crème de cassis, elderberry, huckleberry, smoky spices, hints of cigar box. Really pure and refined on the palate. Powerful and dense but with excellent balance and definition. I taste a LOT of Cabernet as part of my job, most of them much more expensive than this...but I actually sat down and drank this one with my family at dinner. The wine is polished enough to enjoy right now, but I think it will also age beautifully for 8-10 years. Very impressive wine from a small producer that bottled just 250cs of this Cab. Our winery-direct deal brings it to you for a price that is way lower than the quality of the wine would suggest. The big luxurious bottle, beautiful label design, and waxed cork make this a great gift bottle too.