Justin Justification Red Blend
Justin Justification Red Blend is JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery's tribute to Right-Bank Bordeaux — a Paso Robles blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot (no Cabernet Sauvignon at all), modeled on Château Cheval Blanc, bottled at 15.0% ABV in 750mL. Fermented in stainless steel with twice-daily mixing and matured 21 months in 100% French oak (50% new), it's a full-bodied, plush red: the official notes cite red currant, black cherry and plum with lush blackberry, black currant and strawberry preserves over well-integrated tannins. The 2022 vintage earned 94 points from Wine Enthusiast. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 15.0%
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: Cabernet Franc + Merlot — Right-Bank Bordeaux style, inspired by Château Cheval Blanc (ratio varies by vintage; no Cabernet Sauvignon)
- Appellation: Paso Robles, California
- Winemaking: stainless-steel fermentation (UV43 yeast, twice-daily mixing); 21 months in 100% French oak, 50% new
- Ratings: 94 points Wine Enthusiast (2022 vintage); 93 WE (2021)
- Winery: JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery — founded 1981 by Justin Baldwin; pioneer of Bordeaux-style blends on California's Central Coast; winemaker Scott Shirley
Paso Robles' Answer to Cheval Blanc
JUSTIN's founder Justin Baldwin built his winery in 1981 on a contrarian bet: that Paso Robles could make Bordeaux-style blends to rival France. Justification is the proof of concept on the Right-Bank model — Cabernet Franc and Merlot, fermented in stainless steel and raised nearly two years in French oak, built plush and full-bodied rather than stern. The official 2022 notes read like a Bordeaux lover's checklist: red currant, black cherry, plum, sweet cigar-box oak, pastry crust and vanilla on the nose; lush blackberry, black currant and strawberry preserves on the palate; dried thyme, tarragon, star anise and warm leather on the finish. Explore more wine and red wine, or shop the JUSTIN collection at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per the official justinwine.com 2022 notes: aroma of red currant, black cherry, plum, lightly floral and earthy, oak as sweet cigar box, pastry crust and vanilla; full-bodied palate of lush blackberry, black currant and strawberry preserves with plush, well-integrated tannins; finish of dried thyme, tarragon, star anise and warm leather.
How to Enjoy
Decant 30–45 minutes at 60–65°F. A natural partner for grilled ribeye, lamb, or aged cheddar — the JUSTIN estate itself runs a MICHELIN-starred restaurant built around exactly these pairings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes are in JUSTIN Justification?
Cabernet Franc and Merlot — a Right-Bank Bordeaux-style blend inspired by Château Cheval Blanc. It contains no Cabernet Sauvignon.
Where is it made?
Paso Robles, California, by JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery — founded in 1981 by Justin Baldwin, a pioneer of Bordeaux-style blends on the Central Coast.
What is the alcohol content?
15.0% ABV.
What ratings has it earned?
94 points from Wine Enthusiast for the 2022 vintage (93 for 2021).
Right-Bank character from Paso Robles — order JUSTIN Justification online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.