[David Tate] Cairn Trail Cabernet (Paso Robles, 2019)

As David Tate explains:

Although some Paso Robles red wines are known to be lighter in this vintage the 2019 Cairn Trail is a dark opaque purple. Blackcurrant jam and smokey cedar are instantly apparent on the nose. Some peppercorn and menthol start to emerge. The wine is very mouth filling slowly leading to the big but balanced chalky tannins. More blackcurrant is on the palate as well as anise and mocha. This is a big balanced wine that can be drank young with some big BBQ or held for the next 7-8 years to round out beautifully.

This is definitely a level above most Paso Robles Cabernets – and fans of Barnett’s great Howell Mountain Cabs might even recognize the resemblance.