Anglim 2008 Old Bailey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

International Cabernet Day is the time to tip your cap – and raise a glass – to the king of grapes. Here’s how we celebrated.

Is Cabernet Sauvignon Still King?

We all know Cabernet Sauvignon as the King of Red Grapes – but is that still so. Perhaps in our hearts, but in 2004, sneaky Merlot surpassed Cabernet as the most widely planted premium red grape. Cabernet Sauvignon emerged in France in the 17th Century and is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, which is where the name originated.
Never Miss A Toledo Wines and Vines Post – Click To Subscribe

Asleep At The Wheel! We Almost Missed Cabernet Day

With a board meeting in Chicago looming, I was completely wrapped up in the clattering computer keyboard when it was brought to my attention that this very day was Cabernet Day! I quickly texted the tasting team member Cabinator to pass along the bulletin.
Bad news! He had a cold and was out of commission.
Upon arriving home, I told Green Dragon that it was Cabernet Day. After dinner I proceeded to grab a bottle of Sangiovese to open. I was planning on writing an article about the wine.
Green Dragon stopped me dead in my tracks. “What do you think you are doing?” she asked. Down the stairs I went and returned with a more suitable selection.

Anglim Cabernet From Trendsetting Paso Robles

Last year I took an excursion to Paso Robles wine country and came away impressed with the beauty of their Rhone-style blends and the stature of their impressive reds. I had a hilltop tasting with members of the Cab Collective, Paso winemakers who produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends. I left feeling that the most exciting Cabernet in California is in Paso Robles.
Anglim has no vineyards of its own. Instead it works with some of the top boutique vineyards in the state to craft their wines.
In the glass, this single vineyard 2008 Anglim Cabernet is a deep ruby red. On the nose there is a bit of heat. This has more than 14% alcohol. As the wine opened up, the wine smoothed.
On the palate there is lush blackberry jam flavors. I also picked up some spiciness with the dark fruit flavors.
This is a massively enjoyable Cabernet. You’ll be hearing much more about Cabernets and Cab blends from Paso, so let me give you my insider tip. For years I had assumed that the region was pronounced PAH-so ROH-blays. That may be true for areas outside of California. In Paso itself and in the Golden State, it is pronounced PAH-so ROH-bulls.
Try repeating that three times fast on Cabernet Day!