Eberle Cabernet - Susan Allen's Wine Pick of the Month #2

 

This month's wine pick comes from Eberly Vineyards in Paso Robles, CA. Eberle winery has been handcrafting their wines since 1979. And, after more than 25 years since the release of the Eberle label, the winery consistently remains one of the highest award-winning wineries in the United States. Enjoy our pick!

 

2006 ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

harvest conditions

2006 proved to be one of the longest harvests on recent record. The growing season maintained a consistent climate allowing fruit to fully mature through the warmer temperatures in mid-October. Late season rains had very little impact on the quality of overall fruit, but managed to lengthen time of harvest. In general, yields varied depending upon the varietal and with lighter crop loads being harvested; only the best quality fruit was picked. Other ‘quality indicators’ include smaller berries and longer hang time, increasing the concentration and flavor of the fruit.


fermentation

After the fruit was crushed and de-stemmed, the juice was transferred to stainless steel tanks and inoculated. During fermentation, the must was pumped over twice daily for color and flavor extraction. Following pressing, the wine was gravity fed into the underground caves and aged for eighteen months in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new. The final wine was left unfined and unfiltered for bottling.
 
wine description

Since 1979, Eberle’s flagship Estate Cabernet Sauvignon continues to showcase 100% varietal characteristics from our thirty year-old Estate Vineyard. Displaying a flavorful deluge of rich black currant, dark cherry and hints of mochas wrapped in velvety tannins, this wine is an exquisite cellar addition with a reputable history of ageing gracefully.
 
food pairings
 
A robust Cabernet exhibiting an ‘old world’ elegance that is truly enhanced when paired with hearty dishes layered with flavor and texture. The lush, dark berry fruit balanced by notes of oak and velvety tannins of Eberle’s Estate Cabernet are complemented by a filet mignon with a reduction sauce, roasted leg of lamb or a taste of Gary Eberle’s famous barbecued pork ribs!


technical notes

variety: cabernet sauvignon
appellation: paso robles 
vineyard: estate 
alcohol: 15.0%
acidity: .65 
ph: 3.48 
residual sugar: <0.05% 
brix at harvest: 25 ̊ 
date harvested: 10/12/06 
cases produced: 3468 
retail price: $34.00

Check out Eberle Winery at http://www.eberlewinery.com/