Deconstructing Isosceles: A Magic Blend of Cabernet

At JUSTIN Winery, some wines leave an impression that lingers long after the final sip. ISOSCELES is one of those wines. Anchored by cabernet sauvignon and shaped with precision, this iconic selection has become a benchmark for premium wines and a standout example of what a truly remarkable cabernet sauvignon blend can offer. 

Few varietals boast character as bold and outspoken as cabernet sauvignon, making it an exemplary anchor for the renowned ISOSCELES blend. Cabernet sauvignon stands among the unchallenged “noble grape” varieties, alongside pinot noir and Riesling. These grapes have earned that title thanks to their ability to produce clearly distinctive, high-quality wines for hundreds of vintages. 

If you’re searching for the best red blend wine with depth, elegance, and a powerful story in every bottle – ISOSCELES deserves your attention. 

Explore ISOSCELES 

Why Everyone’s Talking About ISOSCELES 

ISOSCELES isn’t just a fan favorite – it’s a flagship expression of JUSTIN Winery’s winemaking philosophy. First released in 1987, it quickly gained critical acclaim for its structure, balance, and age-worthiness. More than three decades later, ISOSCELES continues to stand as a hallmark of Paso Robles excellence. 

The wine’s name reflects the geometric precision and balance strived for in every vintage. Like its triangular namesake, this blend achieves harmony through the careful arrangement of its components. While rooted in the bold personality of cabernet sauvignon, ISOSCELES gains strength and complexity from thoughtful additions of merlot, and cabernet franc. 

This composition varies slightly with each vintage to reflect growing conditions, but the intention remains constant: creating a harmonious wine that reflects both terroir and winemaking vision. 

Why is ISOSCELES a Blend? 

To understand what makes ISOSCELES exceptional, first explore the philosophy behind blending cabernet sauvignon. In Bordeaux – the region of cabernet’s origin – this late-ripening variety often struggles to fully mature due to the region’s cooler, maritime climate. The practice of blending cabernet with earlier-ripening grape varieties like merlot and cabernet franc arose from this challenge, helping winemakers ensure consistent quality across vintages. These blends gave Bordeaux wines the complexity, balance, and longevity for which they are now legendary. 

In California – and especially in Paso Robles – the warmer climate and longer growing season allow cabernet sauvignon to ripen and mature more fully, making it possible to craft exceptional varietal wines without the need for blending. Yet JUSTIN chooses to blend not from necessity, but from opportunity. 

“Another advantage of blending cabernet is that, when done carefully, it can produce wines that are greater than the sum of their components in both complexity and balance.” 

It’s a bit like taking a precious stone and cutting or polishing it to bring out added features not initially apparent. A skilled artisan can work magic with the right components. Learn more about wine blending here. 

The Role of Each Varietal 

Cabernet Sauvignon: The Foundation 

Cabernet sauvignon offers the structure, aging potential, and intensity needed to support the other varietals. It gives ISOSCELES its signature strength and depth, delivering firm tannins, vivid dark fruit, and a deep garnet hue – setting the tone for a wine built to age. This late-ripening variety provides the backbone with its blackcurrant and black cherry notes. 

Cabernet Franc: The Secret Weapon 

Cabernet franc, a variety long grown in Bordeaux, exhibits flavor notes of bright red fruit (think barely ripe raspberry or strawberry). Hints of savory tobacco leaf adds an herbal note and a clean feel to the palate, preventing the fruit from becoming too ripe or jammy. In the ISOSCELES blend, cabernet franc is often the component that makes the biggest difference – even if it is only a minor component of the blend – a sort of secret weapon bringing aromatic lift and subtle herbal tones. 

Merlot: The Softener 

While JUSTIN makes great cabernet in Paso Robles vintage after vintage, its bold character can be transformed by adding merlot – a grape that typically shows notes of ripe blue fruit character (think ripe plum). Merlot softens cabernet’s bold character, making the tannins less pronounced and further enhancing cabernet’s fruit notes. When included, it adds a plush mouthfeel and approachability to the blend. 

How to Experience ISOSCELES 

You don’t need to be a sommelier to appreciate ISOSCELES, but a few tips can help make the most of each pour. 

Tasting Notes 

Expect bold aromas of black cherry, currant, and toasted oak. On the palate, ISOSCELES delivers dark fruit, cocoa, and hints of spice, framed by fine tannins and a long, layered finish. The wine evolves in the glass, revealing new dimensions with each sip. 

Food Pairings 

This wine shines with hearty, flavorful dishes: 

• Braised short ribs 
• Mushroom risotto 
• Aged gouda 
• Grilled lamb

It’s a go-to wine for celebrations and dinner parties alike. The wine’s structure and complexity make it an ideal partner for rich, savory preparations. 

Serving Tips 

Decant ISOSCELES for at least 60 minutes to allow the aromas to open. Use large-bowled red wine glasses and serve slightly below room temperature – about 60–65°F – for ideal expression. Patience rewards those who wait, as the wine continues to evolve and improve with air exposure. 

The Evolution of Excellence 

Since its first vintage in 1987, ISOSCELES has consistently demonstrated why cabernet sauvignon serves as the mainstay of this exceptional blend. Each vintage tells the story of that particular year – the weather patterns, the harvest decisions, the careful blending trials that result in a wine of distinction. 

What makes ISOSCELES so impactful goes beyond the technical aspects of winemaking. This isn’t just about following a recipe or formula. It’s about understanding how each component can elevate the others, creating a wine that expresses both power and finesse, concentration and elegance, approachability and age-worthiness. 

“The magic of ISOSCELES lies not just in its components but in the vision that brings them together.” 

Try our current ISOSCELES vintage and experience library vintages with our wine club membership.