Caparone Winery in Paso Robles, California has been turning out world class, ageworthy wine since 1979. Amazingly they do it for $14.00 a bottle.
They make six wines. Sangiovese, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Zinfandel, Merlot, Aglianico & Cabernet Sauvignon. All are 100 % varietal.
Their 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Ben Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley is an impressive expression of the heralded grape.
At four years old this Cabernet, while very enjoyable now, is just a baby. Caparone makes their wines for the long haul. There is intensity upfront, a solid mid palate with lots of dark fruit and a hint of spiciness followed by a long finish.
Both oak and tannins are present in this wine but neither overwhelm the purity of fruit that explodes on your palate. Time will most certainly see some of the upfront fruit replaced by earthiness, additional complexity and the elegance only a fine aged Cabernet can provide.
This wine is a perfect candidate to lay a case of down. Drink a bottle every year or so and watch it evolve.
Finding wines of this quality with Caparone's track record of success year after year is a near impossibility. Kudos to Caparone for the wonderful job they do.