Varietal Composition: 57% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Franc
Appearance: Dark ruby purple core with blue/black secondary hue, a medium rim with thick
tears showing slight staining on the glass.
Aroma: Aromatic and complex with ripe red cherry, black currant and a little berry with vanilla,
cinnamon and licorice spice, cedar and graphite notes, oak, leather, dried autumn leaves and a
minty hint of camphor.
Palate: Moderate-plus to full-bodied, dry, with ripe cherry and cassis mixed with baking
spice on entry joined by cedar and oak on the mid-palate with complex savory, herbal
elements. The finish is long, balanced and clean, with returning red and black fruit and
perfectly proportioned, fine, mouth-filling tannins. The 2016 JUSTIFICATION is elegant with a
perfect balance of fruit, savory and textural elements making is a versatile food pairing wine.
To prove this, try it with a wide range of dishes from Rotissierie Chicken, or Duck Confit, to
Entrecote Bordelaise et pomme frites, a classic regional dish from Bordeaux of pan seared
steak with a red wine shallot and thyme pan sauce served with crispy fries.
The 2016 vintage started with a warm winter, with near normal precipitation levels. The rain
was helpful to replenish the underlying soils a bit for the coming vintage, but not enough to
break a five-year drought. The spring was warm, causing an early bud break followed by a
cooling period that prolonged the flowering season without negatively affecting pollination,
spreading out the season a bit. June and July were warm with veraison only slightly earlier than
normal but lasting a bit longer due to the variable flowering times seen in the spring. August
stayed warm through early September when things cooled a bit, allowing the remaining fruit to
continue to develop maturity through September and October, nicely balancing ripeness and
maturity in our cabernet franc and merlot parcels.
Fermentation: Stainless steel open and closed top tanks with UV43 yeast, twice daily pump
overs
Maturation: Barrel aged for 20 months in 100% French oak (45% new)
Tasting Notes by Jim Gerakaris, CWE - JUSTIN Winery Sommelier
List Price: $42.00
Sale Price: $36.96
Not in Store: Available in 5 - 7 days
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