J. Lohr 2018 Pure Paso Proprietary Red, Paso Robles

To quote winemaker Steve Peck this is "A milestone wine for J. Lohr that harnesses our history with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah from Paso Robles.” Grapes are sourced  largely  from  J. Lohr's Shotwell Vineyard in the cooler El Pomar District of Paso Robles where the climate is strongly influenced by marine air drawn in from the Pacific Ocean. This ranch is predominantly  planted to Cabernet Sauvignon on calcereous soils with slopes reaching a challenging 25%. The  Petite Sirah hails from their Home Ranch in the warmer Paso Robles Estrella District. This climate is ideal for this heat loving variety where the  grape  clusters reach a luxurious level of maturity.

The blend is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petite Sirah, 2% Syrah and 2% Malbec. The wine aged 18 months in 20% new French and American oak barrels.

This 2018 was awarded a Gold Medal and Champion of its Class in the Houston Rodeo Wine Competition.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded this an "Editors' Choice" and scored it 93 points saying "Winemaker Steve Peck is a master of making large batches of rich, lush red wine at very affordable prices. This blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petite Sirah, 2% Syrah and 2% Malbec offers aromas of black cherry pie, toasty brioche and fresh mint on the nose. That minty element carries to the palate, where more black cherry and fudge flavors are wrapped in ample acidity and chalky tannins."