2020 Vintage & High Ratings
A Winemaker's Vintage
As we present the 2020 vintage in our Paso Robles Tasting Room and to our Wine Club members, we are excited to highlight these wines and their outstanding critical ratings.
The 2020 vintage truly showcased the artistry of our winemakers, David and Cody, who relied on their expertise and innovative tools to craft these remarkable wines. Paso Robles experienced an exceptionally warm year, with intense heat spikes in August and September. Throughout these hot spells, winemakers carefully monitored the vineyards and increased irrigation to protect the fruit from desiccation. Additionally, grape growers faced the challenge of smoke taint from a severe week of smoke that settled over the region due to Northern California wildfires. Some days, the apocalyptic skies served as a stark reminder that 2020 was a year unlike any other. To address the risk of smoke taint—a wine fault that can reappear years after bottling if not properly removed—the wines underwent special filtration. Despite these challenges, 2020 became a testament to the winemakers’ dedication. Rather than accept defeat, they rose to the occasion and delivered beautifully crafted, highly rated wines.
2020 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 points from Wine Enthusiast
This wine was aged 22 months in 80% new French Oak barrels, imparting both complexity and oak characteristics. On the nose, the wine offers an inviting bouquet of dark currant and blackberry, intermingled with enticing notes of licorice and a subtle hint of vanilla. A touch of graphite adds a mineral complexity, while a whisper of toast from the oak aging provides additional depth and intrigue. The medium-plus acidity enlivens the palate, creating a vibrant and balanced structure. The tannins are firm yet well-integrated, providing a robust backbone. Drink now through 2033.
2020 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 points from Wine Enthusiast
The Reserve Cabernet features grapes only from Adelaida Vineyard from the best block or blocks of grapes that year. With the mix of clay and calcareous soil in the vineyard, there will be pronounced acidity, full tannins, and great structure. This wine also went through 22 months of aging, but in 100% new French oak barrels to enhance the luxury and complexity. This 2020 Reserve Cabernet opens with dense aromas of black fruit, chocolate, and a hint of baking spice. The intense yet balanced wine continues with long-lasting notes of black cherry, cocoa, and graphite on the palate. Full-bodied and structured for aging, this wine will be best enjoyed between 2026 and 2045.
2020 Silken - 94 points from Wine Enthusiast
Our most popular blend is composed of 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Syrah, 31% Petite Sirah, and 5% Petit Verdot. The Cabernet Sauvignon provides the structure, while the Petite Sirah provides dark, intense fruit. The Syrah softens and fills out the wine, giving it rounded edges. Silken's texture is key and delivers smoothness. It went through 22 months of aging in 80% new French oak barrels.
This wine features rich aromas of dark fruit that are enhanced by chocolate, cherry, sweet licorice, and a hint of slate. On the palate, flavors of blueberry, blackberry, purple flower, and wood are enveloped in fine tannins. Full-bodied and intense, the wine has a smooth yet vibrant texture and a lingering finish. The 2020 Silken offers a dense core of black fruits and is best enjoyed from 2026 to 2036.
2020 Four Chords - 94 points and Cellar Selection from Wine Enthusiast
This harmonious blend contains 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 22% Malbec, and 18% Petit Verdot from our Adelaida Vineyard. This Bordeaux blend focuses on showcasing the strengths of each variety. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone of the structure, Petit Verdot contributes floral notes, Malbec adds volume, while Cabernet Franc introduces red fruit and minerality.
2020 Four Chords presents a vibrant nose of blueberry pie, freshly smashed boysenberry, ripe dark and blue fruit, and red flower aromas. On the palate, its tightly wound structure elevates flavors of boysenberry, coffee, cocoa nibs, and a hint of flint. Full-bodied with slightly tight but very fine tannins, it is compact and layered, delivering a very long and deep finish. Enjoy now through 2036.
Stop by the Tasting Room at 3590 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446 to try these wines and purchase them (or buy online)! Enjoy a glass of wine that took a lot of courage to produce and can give us perspective as we look into the future. This wine reminds us not to give up.
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