🕵️‍♂️ Bargain Paso Cab, big on flavor, light on price

The heat dome has lifted in California, and were back to regularly scheduled 75-80-degree days. But the Cabernet deals are still heating up!

You just cant get enough of the stuff. Especially when its of the juicy-good Paso persuasion. Who are we kidding? Dont blame you, especially when its $25 and drinks like a $75 Napa Cab and at over 50% OFF we are 100% here for it.

As we were there, some OG Ops may recall, about four years ago with another insane Le Vigne deal that back when our family was much smaller, broke the thousand-bottle-barrier in no time. Since then, weve been begging their family for the next deal, and that pursuit happens to bear fruit today.

Speaking of families, Le Vignes Filippinis switched from hay and cattle to grapes in the early 1980s and have been instrumental in growing Pasos fine wine scene since. A first-generation Italian immigrant, Walter Filippini still has a strong tie to the culinary traditions of the Old World, since he grew up in the gorgeous Lake Como area, working at family vineyards and gastronomic institutions. It should not come as a surprise then that besides grapes, the Filippini Ranch also grows olives and pistachios.

Its also no accident that the winery calls on the expertise of veteran Paso winemaker Terry Culton! Seemingly incapable of making wines that get less than glowing accolades, Culton earned a Top-Flight Winemaker badge from none other than Robert Parker and his diverse resume is star-studded, ranging from nearby legends Adelaida and Peachy Canyon to Calera further up north.

If you crave that big, round fruit-forward Cabernet you know Paso Robles delivers the goods. Youll find some remarkable values from the region, and in the last decade, the word has gotten out. And this juicy, extracted, friendly little fruit bomb is precisely the value we search for. You know youre in for a treat as soon as you pop the cork - aromatics, redolent of sweet black cherry and clove, hint at whats coming. It simply POPS with rich, dark, bodyrockin fruit. Is that Cherry Jolly Rancher?? And layers of black raspberry combined with a fresh herbal, caramel, and vanilla backbone. Big on fruit, but not heavy or thick. Just a tasty, bargain-priced weeknight Cab for your enjoyment.

We might have enough for the day, then again, we may not. And like most offers, you should always add a few more extra than you think you need. You wont regret it.

92 Points James Suckling

Earthy and spiced character with ripe dark berries, black licorice, toasted cedar and undergrowth. Full-bodied with fine, compact tannins. Succulent and plush with a lingering finish. Drink or hold.