Ascension Cellars, Paso Robles (California) 2014

 Based on prettiness more than power, this is a highly sophisticated wine with charms based on aromatic topnotes of sweet vanilla, open and ripe fruit notes, and very polished tannins.  Built more for veal or pork than lamb or beef, this would also work very well as a stand-alone sipper… which underlines the “pretty” and “charming” character of the wine.  A blend of 38% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 14% Petit Verdot and 8% Malbec, this was a Double Gold award winner at the 2018 Toast of the Coast Wine Competition.