2015 Justin Justification

Happy Sunday!  Tonight I've decided to open a bottle of wine from Justin, a producer I've admired since I was introduced to them on the Napa Valley Wine train a few years ago.  I am opening a bottle of 2015 Justin Justification, a wonderful right bank inspired blend of Cabernet Franc (52%) and Merlot (48%) from Paso Robles, just slightly different than the 2014 vintage (which you can read about here).  I picked this one up last week at Costco, so let's see how this wine stacks up!

The wine is a lovely deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from these two varietals.  The nose is a wonderful combination of rich leather, fig and smoke, the kind of aromas that really get my mouth watering.  The taste is wonderfully old world, with a rush of ripe fruit, blackberry, cherry and currant that transitions nicely to some green grass and dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are youthful and a bit sharp, but the finish is long and very dry, with a reprise of tart cherry and Bordeaux like funk at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a pleasant drinking wine with a truly old-world style.  This wine would pair very well with steak, ribs, chops or a nice charcuterie plate, but tonight I am enjoying this one with a rare grilled bone-in ribeye with some grilled asparagus and corn on the cob, what a wonderful Sunday dinner!  Cheers!