Isosceles is the wine that put JUSTIN on the map: a Bordeaux-style red from Paso Robles first made in 1987 and modeled on the great First Growth estates of Bordeaux. More than three decades later it remains the winery's flagship, and the 2021 vintage scored 93 points from James Suckling.
JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery sits in the hills west of Paso Robles on California's Central Coast, where warm days and cool nights give Bordeaux varieties both ripeness and structure. Winemaker Scott Shirley describes Isosceles as the estate's quality benchmark, a wine that has defined the style for JUSTIN across more than 30 vintages. Its name refers to the triangle of three grapes at its heart.
The 2021 blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. Fermentation takes place in open- and closed-top stainless steel tanks with pump-overs twice a day to extract color and structure, and the wine then spends 21 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Cabernet Sauvignon gives the dark fruit and firm frame, Cabernet Franc adds lift and savory detail, and Merlot fills out the mid-palate. The winery lists the 2021 at 15.5% alcohol.
Awards & Recognition
- 93 points, James Suckling (2021 vintage)
- 93 points, Wine Enthusiast (2021 vintage, as reported by Wine.com)
- 93 points, Vinous (2021 vintage, as reported by Wine.com)
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Complex and aromatic, with very ripe cherry and black currant.
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Palate: Full-bodied, with crème de cassis and black cherry jam.
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Finish: Long and continually evolving, led by ripe black cherry.
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Pairs with: Slow-braised beef short ribs, filet mignon and venison steak.
Specifications
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Producer: JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery; winemaker Scott Shirley
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Style: Paso Robles Red Blend (Bordeaux-style)
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Vintage: 2021
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Grapes: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot
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Cask / Finish: 21 months in 100% new French oak
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Region: Paso Robles, California, USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Decant for about an hour if opening now and serve just below room temperature. It is a natural partner for a steak dinner or a slow braise, and a dependable gift for anyone who loves California Cabernet. Vintage may differ from image.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes are in Justin Isosceles 2021?
The 2021 vintage is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot from Paso Robles.
How is Justin Isosceles aged?
The winery ages it for 21 months in 100% new French oak barrels after fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
Should I age or drink Justin Isosceles 2021?
JUSTIN says it is ready to drink now and will continue to evolve with cellaring.
Explore more in our red blend collection.
