Justin Isosceles 2019

Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Set in the stunning Paso Robles appellation, Justin Winery was founded in 1981 by Justin Baldwin who was one of the first to recognise the exceptional potential of the limestone-rich soils here. Justin’s mission is to create world-class Bordeaux style blends which are very ageworthy and well-structured thanks to the excellent terroir. His best known wine is the Isosceles which became a household name in 1997 when Wine Spectator magazine selected the 1997 vintage as their sixth best wine in the world. The power and impressive build of this charming Cabernet make it a great bottle to keep in the cellar for another decade or so, although it can also be savoured now alongside a prime ribeye steak, barbecued meats, roast beef, or a hearty moussaka or baked pasta dish. The nose is intense and fruit-forward with luscious notes of dark plums, crushed cassis, blackberry and blueberry along with leather, cigar box spice and hints of dried herbs. Big and powerful on the palate, there’s plenty of rich berry fruit, firm tannins, a generous full body, and warming spice, chocolate and tobacco leaf on the long, structured finish. It’s recommended to decant this wine an hour or so before drinking to allow the cuvee to fully open up and express its true beauty.

Price: £99.46 from 8wines UK