Calcareous Twisted Paso 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

Lloyd Messer and his daughter, Dana Brown, made it to the peak of their dreams when they established Calcareous Twisted Paso 2015 Vineyards in 2000. That peak was further enhanced by the fact that their vineyards are at the highest point in Paso Robles – over 1,800 feet above sea level.

The same winemaking team that makes Calcareous Twisted Paso 2015 label wines also makes Twisted Paso. This is to assure that everything they put their name on is worthy of it.

The grapes for their Twisted Paso label come from two highly respected vineyards in Paso Robles, Javadi and Seashell. Most of the grapes from these two vineyards grace bottles of $40 to $60 wines. But this father and daughter team have elected to make their great wines more affordable.

The integrity and pedigree show in this wine. The altitude’s cooler growing environment means the grapes have less heat to deal with, so they can produce a concentrated, lower-alcohol wine bursting with flavor. Rich, red and black fruits abound and are held in check by soft tannins. And the finish is as exciting as the beginning.

The beautiful dark ruby color gives evidence of a dense yet lively wine. The nose is an intriguing blend of tart bing cherry and rich boysenberry pie aromas. The mouthfeel continues this trend of opposites with wonderful acid balancing full-bodied flavors of blackberry, licorice, and pepper. The finish is rich yet clean, offering a hint of American oak vanilla.

Very ripe and extracted aromas of cassis and blackberry syrup meet with a pinch of dried oregano. It’s both ripe and tangy on the palate, with balsamic notes.