Firestone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2017

Viticulture

For a region that has been growing grapes since 1797, Paso Robles has all of a sudden become one of the “hottest” AVAs in California. Located midway between Santa Barbara and Monterey, this rolling countryside is synonymous with big, rich, high-character wines. The west portion of Paso Robles enjoys a moderately cool climate thanks to the influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Vinification

15 months in French and American oak, 15% new
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 1% Tannat

Tasting notes

Initial aromas of cherries, plums, black tea, and hints of tobacco. The pallet expresses soft tannins with rich mouth-watering fruit and balanced acidity.

Winery Description

Firestone Vineyard began when Leonard Firestone, who started a farm in Santa Barbara County in early 1970, began to grow grapes for wine in the Santa Ynez Valley. Leonard, who is the son of Harvey Firestone, the founder of Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, inherited his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and realized that the Santa Ynez Valley, which was not at all recognized as a wine-growing region at the time, had the perfect oceanic climate and soil for growing grapes. Following this realization, he started a vineyard with the aim of raising grapes for major wine producers in the Napa Valley region and elsewhere. Santa Ynez Valley borders the Atlantic Ocean on its west side and is surrounded by mountains in the east. Although there are microclimates for each region, overall the climate is mild throughout the year. This allows the grapes to mature slowly over a long period of time, making for well-balanced fruit.

 After a while, his son Brook and wife Kate joined the business, and as the vineyard began to grow they decided to build their first estate winery in Santa Barbara. In 2007, the Firestone Vineyard joined the Foley Family Wines group, which is formed of many local wine brands in Santa Barbara, and continued its operations.