Justification 2019

Justin Vineyards

Justification
2019

Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Varietal(s)
Cabernet Franc 51 %
Merlot 49 %
Colour
Red
Producer's website

About this winery

We planted our first vineyard in 1981 with a mission to produce world-class Bordeaux-style blends. Since then, we have expanded our knowledge of viticulture in this unique region, as well as our acreage. Rich in fossilized limestone from ancient marine deposits, JUSTIN's soil is ideally suited to creating great Bordeaux-style red wines. The limestone "stresses" the vines, producing grapes that fully express their varietal character. The unique microclimate of Paso Robles offers the greatest...

See the Justin Vineyards detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

2019 started with a cool winter with normal precipitation, breaking the dry trend of the previous six years. Spring was wet and cool with bud break coming a few weeks later than usual. Flowering progressed normally with minimal shatter occurring in a few blocks. June was dry with the first real warming trend beginning toward the end of the month. July started warm, showing the typical Paso Robles pattern of hot days and cold nights, but cooler weather toward the end of the month delayed veraison by a few weeks. Mid-August warmed again and stayed that way through early September and through October with the characteristic Paso Robles cold Fall nights, preserving natural acidity in the fruit while we wait for perfect maturity of flavors before we picked the fruit cabernet franc and merlot blocks for the JUSTIFICATION.

Production notes

Fermentation: Stainless steel open and closed-top tanks with UV43 yeast and twice daily pump overs Maturation: Barrel aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak

Tasting notes

Appearance: Deep ruby-purple at its core leading to a lighter rim and deeply stained tears. Aroma: Elegant and assertive with notes of black cherries, ripe plums and raspberry preserves which are balanced by vanilla, star anise, cinnamon, toasted oak, saddle leather and camphor. Palate: Nearly full, ripe blackberries and black currants with elements of cedar and baking spices on entry, leading to a mid-palate featuring grippy tannins and notes of savory herbs and hints of dried rose petals. The lingering, fresh finish features sustained tannins with sweet raspberries, fresh mission figs and dusty leather tones. The 2019 JUSTIFICATON is bold with balanced textures making it a perfect pairing with flavorful foods like bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin or traditional barbeque such as a smoked brisket.