The Paso Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a $7.99 Trader Joe’s exclusive sourced from grapes farmed in the Paso Robles AVA inside the larger Central Coast AVA. The Paso Dragon name comes from Lake Nacimiento, which shoreline does resemble a dragon. Check out the label for an artistic representation.
I found a website that exports California and Washington wines and they sell the Paso Dragon Cab for $10.99. I also ran a trademark search on the Paso Dragon name and found it is owned by a family-owned winery located in Paso Robles who sell organic, sustainably grown wines. Their website does not show a Cabernet Sauvignon wine for sale.
The Paso Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is produced by a well-respected family-owned winery and sells at Trader Joe’s for about 40% less (37.5% to be exact) than in a retail wine shop. Paso Robles is one of the premier growing regions in California. Some wine experts say that Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon (and Cabs from Walla Walla, Washington) rival the wines from Napa Valley.
This Cab was aged in French and American oak for six months and this is a drink-it-now wine that should be consumed shortly after purchase and not be aged or cellared. It will probably last another 5 or 6 years if stored under ideal conditions but do not expect the wine to improve with age.
The Paso Dragon is a well-priced Cabernet Sauvignon, produced by a family-owned winery from grapes grown in a top AVA. The alcohol content is 14.2%.
The Paso Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Tasting Notes
The color is cherry red with black highlights. The nose is jammy red berries, blackberry, black pepper, mocha, vanilla, and little spice. The Paso Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a smooth fruit-forward Cab with a pleasing flavor.
This Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like blackberry, licorice, raspberry, bitter chocolate, and soft plum. The mid-palate brings creamy vanilla, orange zest, cranberry, and caramel. The tannins are sweet and the acidity does its job well.
The Summary
- The Paso Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a solid value-priced Cab, it drinks very well.
- It is a bargain at $7.99, a tasty, well-made, everyday Cabernet Sauvignon.
