Product Overview
The 2017 Justin Justification expresses the spirit of a few Right-Bank French Bordeaux producers by blending Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Visually, it is deep ruby/purple with black hue at the core and moderately stained tears on the glass. It is very aromatic with ripe black and red cherry and blackcurrant fruit, vanilla and cinnamon spice with cedar, autumn leaves, oak, graphite, red licorice, and cocoa. On the palate, it is full-bodied with ripe red and black fruit and baking spice on entry, with oak and dusty tobacco notes joining on the midpalate, and balanced acidity keeping things elegant and fresh. The finish is long and complex with mouth-filling, fine tannins, lingering cherry fruit, barrel spice, and oak with subtle floral notes.
Varietal Composition: 65% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot
Appellation: Paso Robles AVA
Aging: 20 months in French oak barrels
92 Points - Wine Advocate
"The 2017 Justification is a Right Bank-styled blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot. Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, it offers bright red and black cherry fruits with notions of garrigue, dried herbs, vanilla and cardamom. In the mouth, it’s medium to full-bodied, with slowly opening fruits and a firm, grainy frame. It has great lift and freshness and finishes long. An approachable, friendly style." -EB, 10/30/20
92 Points - Vinous
"Saturated ruby. Proffers smoky, oak-spiced aromas of cherry, cassis, candied flowers and pipe tobacco. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, featuring bitter cherry, dark berry and succulent herb flavors that show fine clarity and refreshing spiciness. The cherry and tobacco repeat on the persistent finish, which is framed by chewy, slowly building tannins." -Oct/2020
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Aromas of dried berry, baked soil, beef and a hint of smoke show on the nose of this blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot. The palate is dry and smoke-driven, offering iodine and roasted strawberry flavors." -MK, 8/1/20
