Falcone Family Vineyards Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2011: Anyone wondering what all the fuss is about Paso Robles cabernet sauvignon — or even cab in general, as we Santa Barbarans tend to be more focused on Rhône and Burgundian varietals — will get a quick lesson in excellence with this recent release from the husband and wife team of Helen and John Falcone, longtime Santa Ynez Valley vintners who own a small vineyard on Paso’s hot eastside. The wine is a mix of heady (with licorice on the nose, chalky minerality in the mouth) and hedonistic (delicious dark cherry flavors!), all presented on an phenomenally smooth canvas.

Their 2010 Mia’s Vineyard reserve release is also fantastic, but a bit more complicated and herbally enhanced, so maybe best for those already addicted to the wonders if well-done cab and ready to pay a tad more.

See falconefamilyvineyards.com.

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