2009 JUSTIFICATION 750

Color: Bright, medium to dark ruby core with purple highlights around the rim. Aroma: Medium plus intensity, elegant bright red and black fruit of cherries, cassis and some blackberry perfectly combined with tobacco, pencil lead with subtle vanilla and slight anise spice. Palate: Bright red cherry, with darker cassis and berry notes at the beginning. Sustained fruit with dusty tobacco, vanilla and licorice in the mid palate. Long, complex finish dominated by bright cherry, with a pleasing combination of spice, mineral and herbs.

James Suckling Score: 94
"Love the nose to this with dark fruits and cigar tobacco on the nose. Hints of milk chocolate. Full bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. This is a very beautiful wine indeed. Decadent and refined at the same time. Unfiltered. Made from 67% Cabernet Franc and 33% Merlot."

The 2009 growing season began with an early bud break (early March) due to the extremely warm spring temperatures. An early April frost rolled into the Paso Robles area however, our vineyards were unaffected due to their hillside stature. A warm consistent summer segued into moderate early fall. The balanced weather allowed us to pick on flavor profiles without any concerns of excessive heat or cooler temperatures. Our red wine sources and home vineyard have shown incredible density and power of varietal expression. Our relentless vines shrugged off the water of some extensive fall rain showers while retaining great concentration and flavor. The style of the 2009 vintage is flashy and intense.