We’re thrilled to welcome Roblar Winery back to our pages. This previously hidden gem winery is now a Wine Spies favorite. We don’t feature many Santa Barbara Cabernets, but today’s Roblar 2014 Santa Barbara County Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is one worth really focusing on. If you haven’t tried an SB Cab, this is a great one to purple your teeth on.

This Cabernet is a straight up red color that catches the light with its medium-density body. There’s a lot going on in the bouquet on this Healdsburg Cab with aromas of white pepper, slate, almond, subtle fennel seed, and sandalwood. Bright red fruit reigns on the palate with ripe strawberry and bing cherry. There’s an interplay between orange blossom, marmalade, and floral lavender. Excellent acidity drives the fruit while nicely structured tannins provide a solid backbone that carries a long and graceful finish. A slow cooked pork shoulder braised with Texas-style BBQ would suffice.

Today’s wine was made by winemaker, Bryan Davison, whose work we have admired for years. Bryan has worked at some of our favorite wineries, including Martin Ray, Chateau St. Jean, and Michel-Schlumberger, in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. Bryan’s style is opulent yet natural. Today’s wine reflects his decades of winemaking excellence.

Enjoy!