2013 Shiner “Release 15.1” Cabernet Sauvignon

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$24.99 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

For those of you who were beginning to think Carpe Vino’s Shiner brand was a one-trick pony, flash-in-the-pan wine. . .guess again.  After a drought of California proportions, we’ve finally tapped into a new wine pipeline in Paso Robles, one of the nascent hot spots for cabernet sauvignon in the Golden State.

The challenge in extending our line has been to stay true to our concept of “leverage our wine experience and contacts to source outstanding finished wine from across the west coast and market this juice under the Shiner Wine label”.  The other essential ingredient in our formula is to find great wines that can be marketed for $25 or less per bottle. . .and that has become increasing difficult to do.

That said, we searched far and wide to source our second offering:  Shiner 15.1, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles.  The numbering convention is simple:  2015 yields “15” and “1” refers to the release.  We’re hoping to deliver at least one more Shiner this year; perhaps two if we’re lucky.

Gary’s Tasting Notes:  I’m all atwitter about this second Shiner release, and it was worth the wait:  an absolutely rich and balanced wine at a price that will make the person responsible for administering your household budget smile broadly.

You like fruit?  15.1 delivers a boatload.  The dense blue berry flavors harmonize gently with mouthwatering acidity and smooth tannins.  The finish has the persistence of the Bush family’s bottomless pit of presidential candidates.

I first tasted this wine using a Coravin Wine Access System (a device for extracting a single pour from a bottle without unsealing),  but relented immediately and uncorked the bottle.  After one night I sampled it again, and 15.1 behaved like a Marine recruit graduating from Parris Island. . .a raw youth entered; a chiseled, mature warrior exited.

This wine rates a case in my cellar so I can track changes as it develops over time.  I truly loved this wine, and I insist you will, too.

Blend:  80+ cabernet sauvignon, enhanced by other Bordeaux varietals and Tempranillo

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