Wine Review: 2010 Niner Cabernet Sauvignon Bootjack Ranch Paso Robles, California
Tasting this Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon from Niner was a truly nostalgic experience for me. My journey with Paso Robles wines dates back to 1995. I was working for Kimpton at the eponymous Splendido located on Embarcadero Center, San Francisco.
They had a serious wine program, and we sold a lot of Paso Robles wines; mostly Eberle and Justin. In 1995, the Central Coast wines were new to me, and I knew after tasting those wines I had to get down there, and I did, eventually moving there in 1998. The depth and complexity Cabernet Sauvignon vines can obtain when the daily temperatures vary by forty degrees is one of the defining factors for their distinctive terroir.
Now that there are eleven new sub-appellations in the Paso Robles AVA (separating them by the East of West of Highway 101), hopefully this will encourage everyone to locate them on a map. East or West of Hwy 101 also delineates the degree of scorching sunlight these vines will receive. Although the Niner Winery (a destination must see if you are in Paso Robles) is located on the west side of Hwy 101, the Bootjack Ranch is located on the east side of Hwy 101. The location is one of the warmer locations in the Paso Robles AVA.
With the 2010 Bootjack Ranch wine, Niner Winery solidifies the long legacy of Paso Robles wineries making high quality, value priced Cabernet Sauvignon. This Cabernet starts out dark and dusty reflecting the characteristics of the region well. As the wine’s bouquet starts to develop in the glass so did my anticipation of joy when it touched my lips. Wild berries, plum, sage, and toast notes complete the bouquet. The berry, plum, toast, and sage aromas carry over into the flavors. Vibrant and firm tannins hold it all together through the elegant finish.
The toast and sage components are reminiscent of one of my favorite sauces for winter—squash stuffed pastas with Sage Brown Butter, which would make an excellent choice for a fantastic pairing with this wine. Enjoy!
Rating: Very Good | $35 | 14.8% ABV
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