Adelaida Estate is one of the most dramatic vineyards in the state. One drive out through the hills of west Paso will immediately demonstrate that this is a uniquely special place to grow grapes. The sheer scale of these dramatic coastal mountains and precipitous hillside plantings is eye-popping. The bright white, calcareous soils full of giant fossilized shells are fascinating to witness first-hand and inform the wines power and lift. The dramatic diurnal swings of temperature in this region (the warmth of the day contrasted by the cool influx of ocean air each night) magnifies the drama of the physical terroir even further, to create wines of almost unfathomable intensity. A terroir like nowhere else on earth. As a bench mark property, and the namesake of the AVA at large, Adeladia Estate has been an icon of this rarified terroir for over 50-years. Their Viking Vineyard Cabernet is a perfect illustration of everything I described above. A dramatic mountainside planting, sitting on a limestone shelf some 1,400-1,600ft in elevation. The vines were planted in 1991 and are high-density spaced creating natural competition between the vines and staggeringly low yields per vine. The wine is bursting with intense blue and black fruit. Lavender, cassis, mulberry, hints of cedar, incense, wild sage and leather. Bold, rich, and powerful, but never lacking in drive or freshness and tactile tannins to give the whole wine impeccable form and length on the palate. A uniquely westside Paso wine, but one that can easily hang with the best-of-the-best cult Cabs from Napa Valley, and more modern expression of Bordeaux. The aging potential is clear to see here, too. Even though the wine can be drunk now, with 5 years in bottle, it obviously still has 15-20 years of drinking ahead of it. At its regular $80 pricing this wine delivers the goods. With our new 50% off Insider's Advantage pricing it's an absolute no-brainer.

My favorite Cabernet we currently stock, sold at a massive discount. This wine has polished velvety tannins, expressive notes of dark fruit, herbs, and cedar on the palate, and a long, smooth finish. Not only is it drinking beautifully now, but this wine has plenty of structure, giving it incredible aging potential.

Sourced from a limestone-rich mountain vineyard at 1,400–1,600 feet in elevation, the 2020 Adelaida “Estate – Viking Vineyard” Adelaida District Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe, fresh, and beautifully defined. A plush, silky texture carries flavors of blackberry, cassis, and coastal scrub, accented by notes of tobacco, black tea, bergamot, and a hint of brown sugar character without any sweetness. Its rich tint coats the glass, so buckle up—this is what Paso Cab should be, in all its unbridled glory.