Justin’s 2014 Isosceles is a blend of 73% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc, and 12% merlot. (See also my initial spot review from our Paso Robles trip.)

While this is one of Justin’s most revered expressions, this is a wine that’s simply not ready to drink today and will undoubtedly benefit from time in bottle. (My earlier, higher rating, is likely due to the bottle having seen some air.) A fresh pour shows extreme sweetness, almost to the point of being flabby, overloaded with notes of strawberries and cherries. If you must drink this today, the palate benefits from time and decanting, or the use of an aerator, which brings out notes of rhubarb, baking spice, apple pie, and blueberries.

Given sufficient air, the wine finally starts to show more of its innate charms — a gentler fruit component, though today it’s still showing as too sweet on the whole — with a finish that is laden with milk chocolate and a hint of rhubarb. I’d love to try this wine again in 2023, at which point, none will be available…

B+ / $75 / justinwine.com

2014 Justin Isosceles Paso Robles

$75

8.5

Rating

8.5/10