Best Cabernet, Bordeaux-style, and red wines in Paso Robles for the holidays in 2024
– Cabernet sauvignon wines are big, bold, tannic wines that pair perfectly with holiday meals centered around meats like prime rib, roast beef, pork tenderloin, lamb, and venison. Lucky for us, Paso Robles is producing some outstanding cabernets and Bordeaux-style blends.
Here is a selection of Paso Robles wines we recommend for your upcoming holiday meals. We received so many tasty wines that we created separate lists for recommendations. See more recommendations on zinfandels, pinot noirs, Rhône-style reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines below this list.
Top local red wine recommendations
Ancient Peaks 2021 Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon – $48
This 18-month-aged wine dances in the glass with aromas of red currant, plum, black olive, and anise. A supple, polished mouthfeel with layers of cherry, berries finish with tobacco and notes of vanilla cream, coffee cinnamon fresh acidity, and chalky tannins. Enjoy with lamb medallions, eggplant parmesan, beef brisket with mushrooms, and roast filet with black olive sauce.
Ancient Peaks 2020 Petit Verdot – $50
This 80% petite verdot wine sets the tone with its dark color and intense flavors, while 20% malbec adds a core of luscious fruit character. This limited-edition petit verdot-based blend was crafted to capture a uniquely powerful expression of Ancient Peak’s estate Margarita Vineyard. Each lot was carefully selected and aged for 23 months in 50% new French oak barrels before blending.
Ancient Peaks 2021 Renegade – $28
With a nod to the cast of characters who have traveled the Santa Margarita Ranch since the 18th century, this intensely flavored blend adds to the adventurous twist of Ancient Peaks wines. Finessed by classic Bordeaux blending varieties, 83% syrah, 14% petit verdot, and 3% malbec, Renegade presents complex aromas of violets, blue fruits, and pomegranate with notes of graphite, cinnamon and toasted oak. The palate is racy with berry flavors and smoked meat. Cedar, juniper, earth, and white pepper round out a chewy finish. Pair with beef stew, smoked game, grilled lamb chops, or vegetable lasagna.
Austin Hope 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon – $56
Dark ruby in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon expresses aromas of freshly picked black currants and ripe blackberries, with subtle notes of violets, mocha, and dried spices. On the palate, it’s a modern-styled wine layered with an abundance of juicy olallieberry and cherry fruit, while nuances of cedar, clove, nutmeg, and vanilla bean round out the long smooth finish.
Austin Hope Treana 2021 Red – $45
This red is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and syrah. On the nose, rich aromas of dark fruit, cassis, and vanilla bean. On the palate, elevated flavors of raspberry and fresh cherry brighten the mid-palate while baking spices and pepper create a dynamic flavor profile unique to this blend. On the finish, warm vanilla and firm tannins balance this full-bodied wine.
Austin Hope Quest Cabernet Franc – $27
This cabernet franc is an unassuming wine with a depth of flavors of black fruit and dark chocolate. On the finish, supple tannins evolve into a lush balanced wine. The perfect blend of discovery and tradition.
Barr Estate Winery 2017 Malbec – $28
Spicy, dense boysenberry jam aromas are complemented with shades of anise and leather. The mouthfeel is full-bodied with chewy, plush tannins. Pair this 75% malbec, 20% cabernet sauvignon, and 5% tannat with lamb shanks, or Thai chicken and chili.
Barton Family Wine 2021 The Dance – $75
The Dance is comprised of 75% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc, and 10% malbec from the best barrels in the Barton cellar. Dried cranberry, cedar, and fresh green bell pepper greet the nose, followed by flavors of huckleberry, violets, mocha, sweet tar, and crème de cassis, hints of Castelvetrano olive, red chili, cumin, paprika, and green notes of oregano, tomato leaf, and purple basil. Pair with a romantic fireside dinner for two, fireside. Enjoy now or cellar for 10-15 years.
Brecon Estate 2022 Meritage – $74
The majority (51.89%) of this wine comes from the Templeton gap and the hilltops within the Adelaida sub-district contribute nearly all the rest. This is a super food-friendly, bright wine with impressive color depth.
Crush Vineyard 2021 Impromptu – $58
Dark purple Impromptu is lively and tart on the nose with aromas of blueberry and acai. A blend of 57% estate-grown tannant, 40% syrah, and 3% viognier, the palate picks up violet and lilac flavors, with crisp acidity in the finish.
Eberle 2021 EstateCabernet Sauvignon – $60
This cabernet sauvignon is well-balanced and elegant with aromas of Bing cherry, cassis, and cedar. Firm tannins give lush acidity along with subtle hints of spiced caramel, violet blossom, and black pepper. It pairs well with grilled meats, such as nicely seasoned steak, roasted lamb, or aged cheddar cheese and a mushroom risotto. This wine scored a double gold medal at the San Francisco Wine Competition 2024; gold medal, 91 points from the Critics’ Challenge 2024; and a double gold medal, 93 points at the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition 2024.
Incredibly rich and vibrant in color, this malbec is dark and brooding on the nose with aromas of espresso, cocoa, brown sugar, cigar box, and vanilla. Dark fruit flavors come through on the palate with notes of black currant, licorice, cherry cola, caramel, and molasses with good structure and balance. Notes of toasted oak, tobacco, and chocolate linger on the long finish.
Deep crimson in color, the inviting nose is a bit sweet and floral when the wine is first poured. As it opens, aromas of cassis, almond, and a hint of orange and honeysuckle lead to dark fruit characteristics. Flavors of chocolate-covered cherries, boysenberries, and a touch of vanilla fill the palate.
Four Sisters 2020 Sacheen – $42
Featuring the last cabernet sauvignon harvest of the season from the Four Sisters hillside block renowned for its cool microclimate and named for the eldest sister, this blend is gaining a devoted following. The nose is greeted by vibrant fruity notes of blackberry and blueberry from the merlot, while the palate showcases the robust structure of petit verdot, culminating in a satisfying, lingering finish.
Glunz Family 2021 1888 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – $65
This Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates the Glunz family’s 135-year winemaking legacy, starting in 1888. Sourced from the Geneseo and Willow Creek AVAs, it’s aged 24 months in French and American oak. This dark, rich wine blends 40% cabernet sauvignon and 20% petit verdot, offering concentrated fruit and smooth tannins.
Graveyard Vineyards 2021 Dark Phantom – $65
This 100% petit sirah estate aged in 75% French oak, 25% American oak, and 25% new oak is rich, significant, and dark in color. Heavy tannins with plums, blueberries, chocolate, and black pepper flavors make a very earthy, hearty wine that is great with hearty foods.
Graveyard Vineyards 2024 Dead Ringer – $28
This wine is crafted for immediate enjoyment, offering vibrant notes of fresh pomegranate, cranberries, and cherries, all complimented by a rich earthy aroma. It starts smoothly on the palate, with subtle hints of holiday spice. Perfect for family gatherings, pairs with holiday meals, charcuteries, casseroles, and French desserts.
Hoyt Family Vineyards 2019 Petit Verdot – $55
This Bordeaux-style wine features notes of cherry and tobacco on the nose. On the palate, it offers flavors of currant and earth with a velvety, fruit-forward finish. Won a double gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
This elegant Bordeaux-style blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot offers an earthy nose with hints of black currant and plum, leading to rich flavors of black cherry, chocolate, and graphite. Paired with truffle brie, chipotle-grilled filet mignon, or lamb chops with creamy garlic aioli, it’s a wine that enhances any fine dining experience.
Mcprice Myers 2022 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon – $24.99
Fermented in stainless steel and aged for twelve months in French and American oak barriques, this cabernet sauvignon presents notes of blackberry, chocolate-raspberry, espresso roast coffee, au jus, cardamom, cigar box, and new leather.
Mitchella Winery 2019 Innuendo Noir – $48
This Bordeaux-style blend is made up of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec, merlot and petit verdot. This rich purple wine fills your senses with notes of ripe plum, dark rich fruit, pomegranate, and fig. Just one sip releases the bold tannins that abide long after the wine has dissipated. It finishes with hints of fresh-cut cedar.
Mitchella Winery 2019 Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon – $48
Aging and fermenting this Cabernet Sauvignon in 100% new oak provides aromatic notes of dark fruit giving way to rich notes of pomegranate and black cherry. This soft and silky wine features hints of spice with a satin finish.
Mystic Hills Vineyard 2020 Gran Trio – $50
Medium ruby in color with a long velvety finish, this blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 20% cabernet franc, and 20% merlot, offers a palate of cocoa, strawberry, cherry, and caramel on the finish while featuring aromas of leather, cedar, dried strawberry, cocoa and herb.
Mystic Hills Vineyard 2020 Unforgiven – $58
This blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc, 15% petite verdot, 15% merlot, and 5% malbec features an aroma of caramel, cherry, coca, herb, and dried blueberry followed by notes of cocoa, anise, cherry, and vanilla on the palate.
Mystic Hills 2020 Cabernet Franc – $45
Pale garnet in color, with a medium body and balanced tannins, this 100% cabernet franc presents aromas of red berry, currant, dried fruit, light floral, herbal, and crushed rock. Then delivers notes of raspberry, light vanilla, and earth on the palate.
Mystic Hills 2020 Malbec Reserve – $45
This 100% malbec offers aromas of cocoa, cherry, light smoke, herbal, and earth on the nose. Then notes of vanilla wafer, cherry, earth, and cocoa on the palate. This malbec is medium ruby in color with a medium body and big tannins.
Opolo 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon – $42
This cabernet offers aromas of ripe plum, bramble fruits, black cherry, and chocolate, with hints of leather and black tea. The weighty mouthfeel features flavors of blackberry, blueberry, cherry liqueur, herbs, and vanilla bean spices, finishing with chewy integration, fine acidity, and smooth tannins.
Penman Springs 2020 “Penman Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon – $44
Aromas of vanilla spice lead to luscious flavors of blackberry jam. The finish is smooth and presents savory notes of pepper and vanilla. It pairs well with steak, burgers, and eggplant parmesan. It won gold medals at the 2024 Mid-State and Orange County Wine Competitions.
Penman Springs 2021 “Artisan Cuvee” Meritage – $40
Elegant aromas of plum and cedar lead to hints of black cherry and smoke. The smooth and lingering finish presents notes of blackberry and spice. Pairs well with grilled or roasted beef, mushrooms or full-flavored cheeses. Won a gold medal at the 2024 Mid-State and Orange County Wine Competitions.
A blend of 54% cabernet sauvignon, 38% merlot, and 8% syrah this wine greets the nose with aromas of blackberry and coffee leading to flavors of black plum, jam, cherry cola, and spice. Rated 92 points by Wine Enthusiast.
Sculpterra 2020 Petite Sirah –
A true expression of a Paso Robles full-bodied petite sirah, this wine starts with rustic aromas of roasted black plum, blackberry jam, charred fig, and notes of lavender, brown sugar syrup, and candied caramel. Charred beef, herb marinara sauce, and freshly picked violets and berry, rosemary, sage, and oregano aromas make this wine a perfect pairing with roasted meats or slow-cooked stew.
Sea Shell Cellars 2022 Low Tide Cabernet Sauvignon – $42
This cabernet boasts dark fruits, black cherry, sticky raspberry, dates, balsamic, brown sugar, and leather. It has a juicy palate with notes of tobacco and savory undertones.
Sea Shell Cellars 2021 Reserve Cabernet Franc – $48
Sweet mouth-watering aromas of raspberries and creams topped with a single plump maraschino cherry introduce this wine to the nose. A light acid lifts the palate and carries the bright red fruits across the tongue while notes of dried sage and minerals complement soft, chalky tannins.
Seven Angels Cellars 2017 Kindred – $40
Deep ruby in hue, this cabernet blend has a nose of deep plum, dark chocolate cherry, followed by leather and tobacco. Notes of chocolate, blackberry jam, and a touch of anise, sage, and menthol are present after it’s been open for a while. This wine won a double gold medal and best in class at the 2022 Central Coast Wine Competition.
SummerWood 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon – $45
A blend of 76% sauvignon and 24% petit verdot, the wine is deep red and opens with aromas of stewed plum, ripe boysenberry, with hints of red licorice, tea rose, and tobacco with a touch of black pepper. Juicy plum, blackberry, boysenberry, red licorice, and nuances of tobacco, spice, and black pepper greet the palate. Smooth-bodied, balanced, and well-structured, this is a wine perfect for everyday enjoyment.
Victor Hugo 2021 Legend of The Ages – $75
Showcases a bold cabernet franc-inspired blend, offering aromas of ripe plum, cherries, dark chocolate, and crushed violet layers of oak, rich fruit, and vanilla. Enjoyable now, it will improve with cellaring through 2035 and pairs beautifully with filet, prime rib, or exotic game.
Look for more local wine recommendations coming soon
- Best local sparkling wines
- Best local rosé wines
- Best local white wines
- Best local zinfandel wines
- Best local pinot noir
- Best Spanish-style wines
- Best local Rhone-style red wines and red blends
- Best cabernet, Bordeaux-style, and red wines
- Best local dessert wines
Publisher’s note: For the 11th year in a row we thought it would be fun to recommend local wines for the holidays. Once again, we received an amazing amount of participation from our local wineries. Over the last two weeks, we received more than 150 entries. Fortunately, there were many solid, well-made Paso Robles wines to recommend. We have created several lists of top local wines into categories. The recommended wines above are in alphabetical order.
