Sean Minor 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon "California Series", Paso Robles

Sean Minor’s 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon from the California Series steps in with solid intent. Out of the glass: dark plum, black currant, and a dollop of raspberry torte—rich but not dense. A cedar-noted undercurrent and tobacco whisper keep it rooted in a more structured frame.

This bottle avoids any sense of padding. The fruit shows ripeness and drive—velvety, generous—but the tannins are soft and integrated. That seamless backbone lets it hold its freshness, even as the finish pulls you in with finesse rather than force.

What informs the style here is Paso Robles itself. The region’s warm days and cool nights coax ripeness with tension—Cabernet that feels both Californian and architectural. Add in sustainable farming across varied soils, and you get a wine that reads layered, not overwrought.

This Cabernet doesn’t announce itself; it earns attention sip by sip. It’s well-made and thoughtful, built for now yet holding the promise of tomorrow. Serve it with grilled lamb or a farmhouse cheddar—it’ll fit both the plate and the moment.

Here’s what good California Cabernet should do: deliver warmth without weight, richness without swagger, and clarity in its conviction.