JUSTIN JUSTIFICATION 2007

This wine was not properly stored. The cork crumbled when I tried to get it out, so I strained the wine and decanted it. Lisa and I took a sip and turned up our noses: Prunes and a slight metallic taste put us off. We put the wine aside while I worked on the steak frites. About 45 minutes later, I picked up the carafe and started to pour the wine down the drain but I decided to give it one more taste just for kicks. Wow. I poured another glass for Lisa, and waited for her reaction which was immediate. Wow. The wine had developed a fresh and fruity taste. Red berries, firm tannins, a hint of ripeness, just enough spice. We finished the bottle… delicious. Somewhere along the line I compared this wine to the “back-up” Kendall Jackson Private Reserve I had on hand… next to this lovely wine, the KJ tasted muddy and clunky. I may never get another opportunity to drink a 2007 Paso Robles Cabernet but this was a great example of how satisfying a wine with a little age can be, and how an older wine can develop in the glass over a few hours time.

Wine Enthusiast said this about the 2007 vintage of this wine: Critic tasting note: (2007 vintage) “Easily one of the best Justin reds in years. An unusual blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it shows a wonderful texture, courtesy of softly ripe tannins and just-in-time acidity. The flavors are all cherries: pie filling, red currants, and ripely fresh fruit off the tree on a hot summer day. Delicious and compelling.” – Wine Enthusiast