Force & Grace Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

Dry, dark and plush, with ripe fruit and firm structure. This is a full-bodied Cabernet with dense, layered fruit. The nose shows black cherry, blackberry and cassis. The palate brings ripe black cherry, raspberry and cassis, with hints of mocha. Toasted oak adds vanilla and caramel. The tannins are velvety, and the finish is persistent, with notes of blond tobacco.

Force & Grace is a Paso Robles Cabernet project from vintner Joseph Carr, made with acclaimed winemaker Jean Hoefliger. Fruit comes from four sub-appellations on the eastern side of Paso Robles, with northern sites giving lift and southern sites adding color and structure. Grapes are picked at night and sorted at the winery. Long skin contact builds tannin, and the wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in French oak with a portion of new barrels to soften and harmonize the fruit. It is bottled in a 750 mL bottle.

Decant briefly and serve with grilled steak or braised short ribs.