We’re thrilled to share fantastic new scores for Broadside from Vinous! In a roundup of Paso Robles wines from the 2017 & 2018 vintage, wine critic Josh Raynolds reviewed and scored five of our current Broadside releases with 90 points or higher – including a score of 90 points for our Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon!
We’re proud of our winemaking team for their exceptional work on these wines!
varietal: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec
appellation: Paso Robles
vintage: 2021
alcohol: 13.5%
ta:0.48 g/100ml
ph:3.80
Winemaker Notes: The continued lack of rain in Paso Robles, combined with a 30%-40% reduced cluster size caused by heavy winds between bloom and set, meant small, highly concentrated fruits in 2021.
Maturation: A combination of 25% new French oak, 40% neutral French oak was used.
Tasting Notes: This wine opens with a beautifully perfumed bouquet that teases hints of violets, black cherry, and cedar. Perfectly balanced medium acidity and fine tannins provide the right support and structure to showcase the rich flavors of blackberry, hints of cola, and subtle notes of vanilla.
Vineyard Sourcing: Sourced from sustainably farmed, SIP certified vineyards in Paso Robles.
varietal: 86% Merlot, 14% Petite Sirah
appellation: Paso Robles (Santa Margarita Ranch)
vintage: 2020
alcohol: 13.5%
ta:5.3 g/L
ph:3.8
Winemaker Notes: 2020 vintage boasted exceptional quality fruit, albeit another year with a smaller harvest owing to the ongoing drought. Summer temperatures came on later in the year, leading to a longer ripening time, and more developed flavors.
Vineyard Sourcing: Sourced from sustainably farmed, SIP certified vineyards in San Luis Obispo County, within the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA.
Maturation: 15 months in 14% New French barrels, the balance in neutral French barrels.
Tasting Notes: Flavors of black cherry cola, Italian plum, vanilla bean & sweet tobacco, with a hint of violet & cedar. The tannins are balanced and supple. It has a well-rounded acidity that keeps the flavors lingering just long enough to enjoy with any dish or on its own.
varietal: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot
appellation: Paso Robles
vintage: 2019
alcohol: 15.5%
ta:0.56 g/100ml
ph:3.82
Acclaim: 93 points, Wine Enthusiast; 93 points, Wine & Spirits; 91 points, James Suckling
Vineyard Details: The majority of Cabernet Sauvignon for this blend came out of Margarita Vineyard block 49, situated on a gently sloping hillside running east-west, while the Petit Verdot came from block 44A. These grapes are hand-harvested in the dead of night when it’s the coolest and the skins are firm.
The balance of the Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the 40-year-old Grosso Kresser Ranch just south of the Willow Creek/Adelaida sub-appellation border.
Winemaker Notes: Our Margarita Vineyard grapes were all picked the evening of Oct 23rd, 2019. The Grosso Kresser fruit was picked on the evening of Nov 3rd. All fruit was crushed into one-ton bins where they were allowed to macerate for 5 days with one punch down per day prior to inoculation. The grapes were punched down twice a day during fermentation and once a day post-fermentation for another 9 days before pressing.
Maturation: The Margarita Vineyard Cabernet and Petit Verdot, and the Grosso Kresser Vineyard Cabernet were settled and racked into a mix of 36% new French and 64% once/twice used French barrels. All lots held in separate barrels. After another racking and further aging for 26 months, the barrels were blended, and the wine bottled.
varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon (95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot)
appellation: Paso Robles (Santa Margarita Ranch)
vintage: 2021
alcohol: 14.5%
ta:0.51 g/100ml
ph:3.88
Winemaker Notes: By virtue of its isolated location, Santa Margarita Ranch enjoys protection from cooler Pacific influence and the extreme heat seen in the neighboring inland AVAs, making it an ideal appellation for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The small quantity of Malbec we used adds a touch of dark plum that works well with the rich structure of the Cabernet. Once fermented, the lots were taken from the tank and placed in once-used French oak barrels for 13 months before being blended and bottled.
Maturation: 13 months in one-year-old French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: Compelling aromas of blackberry and dark cherry are framed by hints of cassis, sage, and cedar. At first sip, flavors of blackcurrant and plum shine through, leading to notes of vanilla bean and a subtle hint of leather. The fine-grained tannins are supported by a balanced acidity that carries over through a lingering, flavorful finish.
varietal: Chardonnay
appellation: Central Coast
vintage: 2021
alcohol: 13.5%
ta:0.43 g/100ml
ph:3.46
Winemaker Notes: Our Central Coast AVA sources experienced a cooler growing season in 2021, and a longer hangtime as well. This resulted in optimal grape maturity and an outstanding Chardonnay harvest.
Oak Regimen: 30% New French Oak, Balance in stainless steel.
Tasting Note: Delicate hints of lemon zest and toasted coconut come together with a balanced bright acidity, wrapped up with a touch of toasty oak and spice. Food friendly, and easy to pair with fish, fowl, or veggies.
Vineyard Sourcing: Sourced from select SIP Certified sustainably farmed vineyards in the Central Coast AVA
