2011 ViognierThe 2011 season was exceptionally cool, bringing about purer, crisper aromatics in our white wines then perhaps we have ever seen. A brighter version of viognier than is typically produced at cass, it showcases hi-toned aromas of lime zest, kumquat, lemongrass, and ruby red grapefruit. Although it displays some restraint at first, it soon opens up to notes of honeydew melon, white rose, and fresh herbs. The palate is light on it feet, with lean, zippy acid holding together a core of flavors that span honey mandarin, lemon curd, and green apple. The finish stays tight and clean, with a kiss of agave nectar and wet stone. Gold medal 2012 orange county commercial wine competition, 90 points international wine review
2011 Roussanneas with our other 2011 white wines, Our Roseanne showcases its brighter, leaner side thanks to an exceptionally cool vintage. clean and tropical flavors of guava and banana give way to meyer lemon and grated ginger. favoring balance and drinkability over raw power, the palate has a zippy acid profile that allows the flavors of tahitian lime, banana, lemon zest, and spice to really sing. the finish holds tightly to the mid palate and sails on with a burst of almond skin and minerality. we expect this wine to gain further complexity and depth with some short-term aging.Options:
1 (26.00)
, Case of 12 (312.00)
2011 Oasis RoseClean, pure, and always delicious, the 2011 rose showcases playful aromas of fresh strawberry, guava, raspberry-rhubarb, and spice. Leaner and snappier than the 2010, the tight acid keeps the smooth and creamy palate focused, with strawberry shortcake, watermelon, pomegranate, and spice. A tiny hint of sweetness helps the flavors cling to the mid palate and finish, but the wine stays crisp and clean.
2010 Rockin' One BlancA fantastic vintage for white wines in paso robles, 2010 gave us uncharacteristically cool weather that led to excellent acidities and late ripening. Consequently, the whites at cass vineyard performed beautifully and show a remarkable amount of balance and integrity. This vintage of rockin one is an aromatic bombshell, displaying much more brightness than previous vintages, yet retaining the classic richness of cass’s whites. Aromas of plumeria flowers explode out of the glass and are backed by sweet candied lemon, crème brulee, and a dash of vanilla bean. The palate is tight and crisp but never lean, showing honey, white peach, lemon preserve, and spice notes. A good dose of creaminess lends texture and draws out the long finish, which stays alive with mouthwatering acidity. Three words: finesse, freshness, and vibrancy. 91 pts. Stephen tanzer, 90 pts. The rhone report, gold medal at the 2012 rhone shootout, 91 pts. International wine reviewOptions:
Onw white (32.00)
, Case of 12 (384.00)
2010 Sparkling GrenachePop the cork, clink your glass, and celebrate life! Whether you are toasting a momentous event or just a wonderful day, the heady tickle of this wine promises a party. We suggest delicious and decadent food pairings such as caviar on brioche toast, a citrus-glazed duck breast salad, and pears with fresh goat milk cheese.Options:
1 (55.00)
, Case of 12 (660.00)
2010 GrenacheAn elegant, medium-bodied style, the 2010 grenache showcases its varietal juiciness in a way that speaks of the classic cote-du-rhone wines of southern france. Explosive dried strawberry, candied red cherry, and rhubarb aromatics meet red chili and butterscotch. After a good decant it opens up layers of savory complexity, with more spice and meaty characters. On the palate it is expansive and juicy with flavors that echo the aromatics – dried strawberry, fresh cranberry, licorice, and spice. The tannins firm up slightly on the finish, lending a bit of traction.Best drunk while still showcasing its youthful vibrancy, this is one of the most food friendly wines of the 2010 lineup. 91 points international wine reviewOptions:
1 (2.00)
, Case of 12 (336.00)
2010 MourvedreWhile the unusually cool 2010 vintage put pressure on the late-ripening mourvedre, the wine has triumphed over adversity and become one of the most impressive wines of the vintage. Varietally true and seriously complex, it features warm and intense aromas of rose petal, eucalyptus, cedar, and baking spice that are so pure you swear its potpourri you smell. The aromatics and palate fall in line with a sweet red fruit profile of baked cranberry, pomegranate, and strawberry, allowing the wine to scream, “drink me!” juicy with a savory edge, the wine lends a good hit of toasty oak, cedar, meatiness, and spice on the finish. There is excellent length on the palate, where the fruit holds traction along with sweet oak, warm baking spice, and kick of smoke kick in.Options:
1 (36.00)
, Case of 12 (432.00)
2009 SyrahIf the quality of the 2009 vintage could be summarized in one wine from cass, it would have to be the 2009 syrah. An absolute knockout wine, this dark monster displays power, complexity, and character to spare. Opening up with massive aromas of dark berries, black pepper, soy, and meat juices, it absolutely explodes on the palate. Flavors of blackberry, plum, and dried blueberries are intense and concentrated, with the perfect balance of richness without being heavy. The complex palate is rounded out with notes of road tar, smoked meat, and dark chocolate while the finish keeps unfolding for almost a minute. Is this syrah the rockstar of 2009? It just may be. 90 points international wine review
2009 Rockin' One RedA blockbuster wine from the 2009 vintage, the rockin’ one brings to the table the depth and complexity that can only be achieved by blending. Offering the best of both worlds, it combines savory elements of cured meat, soy, and herbs with dense red and black fruits. While rich and extremely well structured, it remains elegant and plush on the mid-palate, focusing on the juiciness of grenache with syrah and mourvedre highlighting the spice. Think dark berries, ripe red plum, black pepper, red chili, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The wine pulls through a long and expansive finish thanks to a bit of back-end muscle from petite sirah. Plain and simple, it rocks.
2009 Cabernet SauvignonA phenomenal vintage at cass vineyard, the 2009 cabernet sauvignon displays the powerful character and impeccable balance that can only be achieved amidst perfect ripening conditions. The aromatics are downright huge on the entry, filled with warm winter spice notes of cinnamon and clove that accompany baked plum, currant, cassis, and cedar. The palate is a full bore, mouth-coating experience of baked black cherry, cola, licorice, red plum, and fig jam. Consistent with the nose are flavors of warm spices, complemented by high notes of brown sugar and wintergreen. Soft and full, the tannins are sweet and integrated, showing good mid palate traction and a spicy body that trails off with a burst of melted cherry. A classic cabernet from cass and clearly one of the most outstanding in recent years.Options:
1 (45.00)
, Case of 12 (540.00)
2010 Syrah Dessert WineOur 2010 dessert wine is made from syrah grapes. The fruit was picked extremely ripe, naturally fermented and aged in neutral barrels for 22 months. 2250 bottles produced.Options:
1 (44.00)
, Case of 12 (528.00)
2009 Flying NymphCome fly with the nymph! This syrah-based rhône blend was estate grown at cass vineyard on low-yielding vines. On the nose, attractive rose petals and ripe cherry. On the palate, black cherries, strawberry, and black currant finish into a lingering cedar and licorice on the back palate. 76% syrah, 21.5% mourvèdre, 2.5% grenacheOptions:
1 (26.00)
, Case of 12 (312.00)
2011 Flying Nymph BlancIntensely floral and aromatic, the 2011 flying nymph white oozes with baked apple, sweet pear, and hints of fresh lemon custard. The rich texture of these white rhone varieties is complemented by a crispness brought about by the cool season in 2011. the palate is full, mouthcoating, and creamy, showing hints of agave nectar, pineapple, clementine, and white flowers. Clean acidity keeps the off-dry finish fresh enough to keep you asking for more, while the concentrated flavors continue to engulf your palate.Options:
1 (26.00)
, Case of 12 (312.00)
Cafe
Entrées
Steak Sandwichmarinated and grilled flat-iron steak sliced thinly on a toasted edna's bakery hoagie roll. Topped with Thomas hill farms organic tomatoes, locally-grown arugula, and a spicy, garlic aioli. served cold. our recommended wine pairing: 2008 cabernet sauvignon
Smoked Chicken SaladFeaturing the versatility of our in-house, deep-pit roaster, these mary's free range chickens are slowly smoked then shredded and mixed with dried fruit and crispy celery. Served on a bed of locally grown, organic baby lettuces. Our recommended wine pairing: 2010 grenache
Cass Crab CakesMaryland-style crab cakes, a house favorite! Served with house-made remoulade accompanied by a salad of baby greens. Our recommended wine pairing: 2010 rockin one blanc (viognier/roussanne/marsanne blend)
Pit Roasted Pulled Pork Tri-Tip SandwichSmothered in jake's BBQ sauce. Served on a ciabatta roll with crispy fried onions, melted mozarella, and dijon mustard. Accompanied by a salad of mixed greens. Our recommended wine pairing: 2009 syrah
Ciabatta Bread Pizzalocally made ciabatta bread topped with house-made, chunky tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, and mild Molina Italian sausage. our recommended wine pairing: 2008 cabernet sauvignon
Domestic Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella PaniniArugula, roasted red peppers and shallot vinaigrette on local bread. Our recommended wine pairing: 2009 rock-in' one red (mourvèdre/syrah/grenache blend)
Benny's BurgerA 1/4lb. Burger loaded with horseradish black pepper aioli, rogue smoky blue cheese, nu-skies bacon, crispy onions and arugula. Accompanied by a salad of organic baby greens. Our recommended wine pairing: 2010 mourvèdre
Cheese CourseTaste artisanal cheeses, each one pairs with one of our wines- accompanied by fruits, olives, nuts, and flatbread crackers
Sides
Demi LoafWarm artisan locally made Italian ciabatta bread, served with local extra virgin olive oil
Castelvetrano Olives3 oz. Of bright green beauties imported from sicily. Buttery and meaty taste
Spanish Cured MeatsTwo kinds to choose from: pamplona, a delicious sweet paprika cured chorizo or salchichon, the spanish version of a genoa salami, but better! A perfect addition to the cheese course
Leo Leo GelatoLocal hand-crafted gelato. Great for an after lunch dessert or take it with you to go. Served in 8oz. Containers and available in the tasting room freezer case. Eight flavors to choose from: chocolate, pistachio, hazelnut, cinnamon, caramel, mango and lemon sorbet
