Doce Robles Winery & Vineyard

Jimmy and Maribeth Jacobsen, owners and winemakers at Doce Robles, are farmers first and foremost. They grew up in the agricultural epicenter of the universe, the Central Valley of California. More specifically, they were raisin farmers in Selma until the raisin market crashed: or perhaps, more fittingly, shriveled up. That was just about the time the wine grape market began its meteoric rise, and everyone, even beer drinkers, began to drift towards wine.

Knowing they needed to do something different, the Jacobsen’s started checking out the possibility of growing different kind of grapes. They were shrewd enough to buy vineyard property in Paso Robles, right on Hiway 46. The rolling hills, great soil and fabulous sun exposure made it ideal for a nice mix of reds, not the least of which is their Cabernet Sauvignon.

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine was aged for 30 months in French and American oak. Aromas are plum, cedar and dried cherries. There’s also a delightful hint of Christmas stolen: slightly yeasty with whiffs of citron and almonds. On the palate, the flavors are all about cherries, of all kinds: dried, tart and fresh, plus crisp-ripe apricots, tangy cranberries and almond extract. It’s quite a bit lighter than most Cabs from this region: amazingly, this one features good acidity and nice fruit flavors, with a very creamy finish that brims with currants. This wine is lovely with a lean pot roast cooked in rosé wine with onions, carrots, fennel and parsnips, finished off with a touch of orange zest.

(Alc: 12%, Retail: $20)

Reviewed December 19, 2006 by Laura Ness.