2008 J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Opaque purple-black color. Can a wine be Rubenesque? The nose delivers opulent decadence, with sweet plum fruit marinated in brown sugar and melted licorice. The wine enters the palate surprisingly lithe, then quickly spreads out and fattens up. There are tiers of aromas and flavors, which include violets, pomegranate, mocha, menthol and a whiff of nuttiness. This may be the finest Hilltop that J. Lohr has produced. Winemaker Steve Peck says it will age comfortably for 10 to 15 years, but why wait? It’s ready to be enjoyed now.
MSRP: $35 (May 2012)
Wine Lines rating: 92
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RATINGS EXPLAINED
80-84 points: A sound wine that shows varietal character. 85-89 points: An unflawed wine that shows some depth and concentration of aromas and flavors. 90-93 points: A Gold Medal wine of its type, showing balance, depth and secondary flavor profiles found in the best of its style. 94-97 points: Hedonistic pleasure in a glass. Remarkable balance, aromas, flavor and length. A pure expression of the varietal or type. 98-100 points: A wine for the ages! Will drink sublimely for decades. Learn more here!
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