Hilltop cabernet sauvignon 2020 (J. Lohr)

Cellar for up to 12 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. J. Lohr Estates was founded in the 1970s, a time when California was just finding its footing in the world of viticulture. Jerry Lohr came from South Dakota, on the hunt for a fine piece of land that would serve the noble endeavour of grape growing. He first discovered it in Monterey County, in the area that would become Arroyo Seco AVA. However, in the 1980s, J. Lohr Estates expanded further south, to the burgeoning Paso Robles region. Like the early gold prospectors of the wild West, they saw potential in the region’s unusually warm, continental climate. Nowadays, the estate has lined the region’s hills with a variety of Bordeaux grapes, which form the basis for this blend. It is majority Cabernet Sauvignon but also features splashes of Malbec and Petit Verdot. This blend is a vivid dark colour and shows aromas of blackberry, cassis and freshly baked fruit pie. It is full-bodied, dry and smooth on the palate, with a bright, uplifting finish. In a mouthful, you’ll discover a delicious combination of red and black fruits, along with some soft spices, vanilla and tobacco. To pair it with food, consider dishes with rosemary and thyme, buttery vegetables and dense meats.