At a glance

Producer

Justin Vineyards & Winery

Region

Paso Robles, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$180-240 USD (recent vintages, primary and secondary market)

Tasting profile

Dense cassis and blackberry, graphite, vanilla and baking spice from new oak, subtle herbal notes.

Evolution: Primary fruit will give way over 8-12 years to tertiary flavors: leather, tobacco, cedar, earthy notes.

At peak: Harmonious blend of dark fruit, savory notes, resolved tannins, integrated oak, persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-high (balanced for age)

Tannins

High, ripe and well-structured

Alcohol

14.5-15.5% ABV (varies by vintage)

Aging potential

Can age 15-20 years from vintage in optimal cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

8 to 16

Optimal window

5 to 20

Current status

Age-worthy modern Napa-style Cabernet intended for cellaring.

Current condition

Youthful (within first 5 years) shows firm tannins, bright fruit. With age softens, integrates oak, deepens complexity.

The Justin Platinum Reserve is crafted to showcase depth and concentration, with robust structure providing graceful evolution. Optimal peak occurs once tannins mellow and tertiary complexities emerge, typically 8-16 years after release.

Food pairing

Best with richly flavored dishes: dry-aged steak, roast lamb, wild mushroom risotto, hard aged cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Justin pursues SIP certification focusing on water conservation, habitat preservation, and responsible pest management. Efforts toward efficient irrigation and renewable energy, but packaging is conventional (glass, cork, capsules).

Justin's SIP certification demonstrates verified sustainability practices, but absence of organic/biodynamic certification and traditional packaging reduce sustainability score. Improvements in on-site resource management are notable, but industry-standard transportation and materials limit carbon savings compared to leading eco-innovators.