Gary Eberle is the godfather of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. That is also true for Syrah, but Gary has a particular passion for Cabernet. He settled in Paso Robles in 1973 after earning a degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis. Initially, he worked at Estrella River Winery and Vineyards. Soon though, he launched his own, eponymous business. The first Eberle release was a 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Gary planted Paso Robles’ first Syrah in 1977. The cuttings are said to have come casually from Chapoutier in Hermitage. The “Estrella clone” has proven excellent and now grows up and down the west coast.

But Gary Eberle believes Cabernet Sauvignon is Paso Robles’ best variety. He says it’s defining characteristics are jammy fruit and soft tannins. I have found that to be true myself and used those guidelines to good effect in blind tastings. And, despite common assumptions that those attributes don’t lead to long-lived wines, I have tasted Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon which was spectacular 30 years from vintage.

Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay reviews

2016 Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon “Vineyard Selection” Paso Robles 89 14.3% 750ml $25

Dark ruby in the glass with appetizing aromas of ripe red cherry, boysenberry, cocoa, oak, and drying currant leaf. Medium-plus body on the palate with moderate, fine-grained and chalky texture balanced by mouthwatering fruit. The flavors of boysenberry, spice, cocoa, and spicy leaves have good intensity and medium length, which will extend when sipped with a nice burger. A well-made, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon which is easy-to-drink now and should pick up some sophistication with up to five years in the cellar.

2017 Eberle Chardonnay “Estate” Paso Robles 90 14.5% 750ml screw cap $24

Pretty aromas of  green apple, apple seed, white flowers, and almost ripe nectarine rise gently from this gold-colored Eberle Chardonnay. The focused, flavorful palate offers ripe, yet tangy, green apple, yellow pear, peach and Meyer lemon, plus delicate touches of baking spice, cream and toast. Medium to medium-plus body with mouth-clinging fruit, very fine, silky texture and pleasant, slightly warming finish. Now – 2022.

The juice were fermented in stainless steel. Half then aged in 25% new, French oak barrels.

Other Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon reviews on this site

Vina Robles Estate Cabernet Sauvignon & more

10 Current releases from Zenaida Cellars

2014 Halter Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

Copyright Fred Swan 2019. Images courtesy of Eberle. All rights reserved.