Buckaloose Wines, Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 This wine throws down the gauntlet in the arena of Paso Robles Cabernet by virtue of its low alcohol number (I can only think of one other producer that sits in the 13 zone consistently) and it is a worthy challenger, showing that you don’t have to be light bodied or simple at this ripeness level.  It delivers the classic Cabernet aroma and flavor profile, and while it’s leaning into its American oak character, the fruit remains in the lead from start to finish.  Give this a good decanting near term, or age it 5 to 10 years if you prefer more integrated wood character.  Well done!  Contains 10% Petite Sirah.