Tobin James Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles Cellars

Tasted at Tobin James winemaker dinner at Lamont Street Grill. Bright disc. Opaque ruby with red rim. Clean but closed nose, showing only hints of currants, raisins and plums. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with firm, coarse tannins and hot alcohol. The flavors are somewhat stemmy relative to the nose. Medium, coarse finish.

Tasted at Tobin James winemaker dinner at Lamont Street Grill. Bright disc. Deep ruby robe with red rim. Clean nose, showing moderately intense prune and raisin aromas, with some pepper and blackberry. Medium-bodied on the palate, with medium supple tannins and similar flavors as for the nose. Medium, slightly hot finish. While quite drinkable, this Zinfandel is clearly overripe, masking the true varietal character of the grape.