More Sculpterra wine. I will try to be as impartial and objective as I can with my reviews, but I can’t deny that I am immensely proud of what Paul Frankel is able to achieve in his winemaking.
This Bordeaux varietal blend won best in class at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Competition in 2017. Maquette is a French word, referring to a small scale model or prototype sculpture. The bottle features a John Jagger sculpture entitled ” Sweet Dreams”. 

45% Cabernet Sauvignon / 35% Cabernet Franc / 20% Merlot. $40 from Sculpterra Winery or online. Tasted June 2018.

Tasting Notes

Medium garnet colour, with some pink hues at the edge.

Medium+ intensity fruit and spice on the nose. Cherry, blueberry, and blackberry. Vanilla oak and cinnamon, suggesting American oak barrels. This wine spent 14 months in oak, with 23% of the barrels being new. There are some herbaceous notes, but to me they’re delicate.

Pleasant medium-bodied mouthfeel, with medium tannin and acidity.

Lasting berry fruit finish, with excellent oak integration and prevalent tannin. Less earthy, and more fruit driven than the average Bordeaux blend, thanks to all the sunshine we get in Paso Robles. Of course I would recommend it, but you don’t have to take my word for it. Come by and ask to try some while it’s still available.