At a glance

Producer

Justin Winery

Region

Paso Robles, California, USA

Grape variety

Bordeaux Blend (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc and Merlot)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$80-$95 (750ml, current US retail), Wine-Searcher average $92 as of June 2024

Tasting profile

Rich aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, ripe plum, cassis, with accents of graphite, tobacco, mocha, cedar, and toasty oak. Plush fruit layered with spicy, creamy oak and hints of dried herbs, espresso.

Evolution: Over 3-5+ years, primary fruit will soften, oak will integrate fully, and nuances of earth, leather, graphite, and cocoa will intensify. Tannins will become more supple, acidity lending vibrancy.

At peak: At peak (2026-2032), expect seamless integration of fruit, tannin, and oak; aromas of cigar box, dark chocolate, violets, and dried blackcurrant; plush but not overripe. Tertiary complexity will emerge.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus; freshness supports aging and balances richness

Tannins

High, youthful, firm but polished; beginning to resolve and will mellow substantially with cellaring

Alcohol

High (typically 15% ABV), integrated but noticeable in youth

Aging potential

12-16 years from vintage; robust structure for CA Bordeaux blend

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2032

Optimal window

2024 to 2038

Current status

Approachable and enjoyable now with air, but will gain depth with further aging

Current condition

Primary fruit is vibrant, tannins somewhat firm but beginning to integrate; can be enjoyed now, but will soften and gain complexity over next 2-5 years

Isosceles benefits from several years of bottle age for tannin resolution and oak integration. The wine's structure and acidity support a drinking window extending up to 15-18 years in outstanding vintages, with subtle complexity peaking after 5-10 years when fruit freshness, depth, and tertiary notes coexist. After the peak window, fruit concentration gradually declines and tertiary flavors (leather, cocoa powder, balsamic) become dominant, but the wine can remain enjoyable for years if properly cellared.

Food pairing

Optimal with rich, savory dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, roast lamb with rosemary, duck breast with cherry reduction, wood-fired mushroom pizza, and hard aged cheeses like Manchego or aged Gouda. As it matures, pair with braised beef, roasted game birds, and wild mushroom risotto to complement earthier flavors.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Decanting softens youthful tannins, allows primary oak and fruit aromas to harmonize, and opens aromatic complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Water conservation, solar-powered operations, vineyard soil health monitoring, integrated pest management

Justin Winery participates in regionally recognized sustainability programs and uses solar energy, but large-scale production and distribution increase overall footprint. No organic/biodynamic certification, but substantial progress over conventional practices.