Le Mistral Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2021 750ml

Produced by Folktale Wine Group (Carmel, CA / Monterey County), founded by Greg & Madigan Ahn. Le Mistral has a bit of pedigree — the label originated under Joseph Phelps, passed to the Brosseau family, and now lives at Folktale. This Cab specifically is sourced from Royal Estrella Vineyard in Paso Robles, farmed by Don Brady and Randy Johnston — a vineyard with a brutal diurnal swing (100°F+ days, down to 50°F at night) that's the whole reason for the concentration in the glass.

Tasting notes: Plum and dried cherry, long bold finish, big ripe fruit and tannin structure with refreshing acidity from that day/night temperature swing. Hand-harvested pre-dawn, native fermentation, daily hand punch-downs, aged in French oak, bottled ~10 months later.

Food pairings: Steak, lamb, hearty pasta — a Cab built for the grill, not delicate food.