Justin Isoceles Red Blend
Justin Isoceles Red Blend is a 15.5% ABV, 750mL Bordeaux-style red from JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery of Paso Robles, California — the 2023 vintage of the winery's flagship wine, first made in 1987 and now past its 35th vintage. It is a Cabernet Sauvignon–based blend supported by Cabernet Franc and Merlot, fermented in stainless steel and barrel-aged 21 months in 62% new French oak. The winery's own page rates it 93 points from James Suckling. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 15.5%
- Size: 750mL
- Vintage: 2023 (current release)
- Appellation: Paso Robles, California — estate vineyards on limestone-rich hillsides
- Production: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot; stainless-steel fermentation; 21 months in 62% new French oak
Paso Robles' Flagship Bordeaux Blend
Justin Baldwin founded JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery in 1981 with a First Growth ambition: a Left Bank–style Cabernet blend from Paso Robles limestone. The estate sits on limestone-rich hillside sites about eight miles from the Pacific, and the method pairs Old-World discipline — hand-harvesting, small-barrel French oak aging — with New-World technology. Isosceles has been the flagship for more than 35 vintages, and the 2023 keeps the formula: Cabernet structure, Franc aromatics, Merlot flesh, and nearly two years in French oak. Among red wines at this price, it is the bottle that taught Paso Robles to aim at Bordeaux.
Tasting Notes
Deep purple-ruby core lightening to bright ruby at the rim, per the winery's 2023 notes. The aroma layers blackberry cobbler, black cherry and ripe plum over dried sage, camphor, sweet tobacco, cinnamon stick and vanilla bean. The palate is full-bodied and dry — boysenberry, black currant and black plum on entry, then new leather, dried herbs, mocha and cedar on the midpalate, finishing long on dark berry, baking spice, vanilla, dark chocolate and toasted oak.
How to Enjoy
Decant 30–60 minutes and serve at cellar temperature. The winery's own pairings: a seared New York strip steak with sautéed wild mushrooms, or — their words — a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza with Italian sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vintage is the current Justin Isoceles?
The 2023 vintage is the current 750mL release.
What grapes are in Justin Isoceles?
A Cabernet Sauvignon–based blend with Cabernet Franc and Merlot; the winery has not published the 2023 varietal percentages.
How long is it aged in oak?
21 months in 62% new French oak, after stainless-steel fermentation.
Where can I buy Justin Isoceles Red Blend online?
This 750mL bottle is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor — it ships from San Diego, CA.
Paso Robles' flagship pour — buy Justin Isoceles Red Blend online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.