Justin Isosceles

Isosceles is JUSTIN's flagship Bordeaux-style red from Paso Robles, California, built on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. At 15.0% ABV, it sits in the fuller-bodied range typical of Paso Robles reds, where warm days and cool nights give ripe fruit and firm structure. Expect a dark-fruited core, with black currant and plum typical of Cabernet-led blends, supported by the softer red-berry roundness of Merlot and the leafy, violet-like lift Cabernet Franc often contributes. Oak influence in wines of this type usually shows as cedar, vanilla, and a touch of toasted spice, and the tannins are generally substantial enough to reward some patience. Because of that structure, this bottle benefits from air. Opening it an hour or so ahead, or decanting for 30 to 60 minutes, helps the tannins relax and lets the aromatics open. Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65°F, which keeps the alcohol from feeling heated and holds the fruit in focus. Cellaring is a reasonable path for a blend like this, as Bordeaux-style wines from the region commonly develop more tertiary character such as leather, tobacco, and dried herb with a few years in bottle. A large Bordeaux-style or Cabernet glass with a generous bowl is the right vessel, giving the wine room to breathe and concentrating the aroma toward the rim. Pour a modest measure so there's space to swirl. At the table, it pairs naturally with protein and fat that can match its tannin: grilled ribeye or New York strip, braised short ribs, lamb chops with rosemary, or a roasted rack of lamb. Aged hard cheeses such as Manchego or aged Gouda work well, as do mushroom-forward dishes, where earthy flavors echo the wine's savory side. Heavily spiced or very sweet sauces tend to fight a wine of this weight, so keep seasoning in the herb-and-char register.