Bishop's Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

Bishop's Peak Cabernet Sauvignon is a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Talley Vineyards, bottled at approximately 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This second label from one of the Central Coast's most respected family estates has earned 91 points from both Vinous (2017 vintage) and Wine Enthusiast's Editor's Choice designation (2016 vintage), establishing it as a standout value in California Cabernet.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~14%  |  Origin: Paso Robles, Central Coast, California  |  Bordeaux-Style Red Blend  |  Producer: Talley Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Talley Vineyards, a family-owned estate in San Luis Obispo County long celebrated for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay programs, produces Bishop's Peak as its approachable second label. The Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the Santa Margarita Vineyard, situated in the cool southwestern corner of the Paso Robles AVA — a microclimate that allows grapes to hang on the vine two to three weeks longer than most Paso Robles sites, building complexity while retaining freshness. The final blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Malbec is aged in a 50/50 mix of French and American oak barrels, with 35% new wood providing structure without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh Santa Rosa plum and snappy blackberry, followed by layers of bay leaf, lilac, and cured tobacco. A thread of candied lavender and olive adds a distinctly Central Coast aromatic signature.

Taste: The entry is generous with sappy dark berry and black plum, moving into a mid-palate of currant, mocha, and cracked pepper. Savory notes of charred meat and dried herbs emerge as the wine develops across the tongue, lending depth to the dark fruit core.

Finish: The finish is moderately long with soft, lean tannins and a slightly toasty quality from the oak program. Sandalwood and lingering bitter cherry round out the close cleanly.

How to Drink Bishop's Peak Cab

This wine drinks well at cellar temperature — around 60–65°F — and benefits from 20 to 30 minutes of air, either decanted or swirled in a large-bowled glass. A short chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving can sharpen the herbal and fruit aromatics.

• Grilled rib-eye steak: The savory, charred-meat character in the wine mirrors the caramelized crust on grilled beef.
• Braised short ribs: Rich, slow-cooked meat echoes the dark fruit and mocha tones without clashing with the tannin structure.
• Aged cheddar or Manchego: The firm, salty character of hard cheeses contrasts the wine's fruit-forward palate and softens the oak influence.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want Paso Robles quality without opening a reserve bottle
• Introducing Central Coast reds to friends accustomed to Napa Cabernet
• Stocking a house red that over-delivers in its price tier
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a backyard barbecue

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bishop's Peak Cab taste like? It leads with ripe dark berry and black plum fruit, layered with mocha, cracked pepper, dried herbs, and a savory quality reminiscent of charred meat, finishing with soft tannins and a toasty oak note.

How does Bishop's Peak Cab compare to the Talley Vineyards main-label Cabernet? Bishop's Peak serves as Talley Vineyards' more accessibly priced second label, sourced from the same Santa Margarita Vineyard but positioned as an earlier-drinking, less oak-intensive expression than the flagship Talley bottlings.

Is Bishop's Peak Cab good for everyday drinking? Yes — its moderate tannin, approachable fruit profile, and competitive pricing make it one of the more versatile Paso Robles Cabernets for regular enjoyment at the dinner table.

Where is Bishop's Peak Cab made? It is produced by Talley Vineyards in San Luis Obispo County, California, from grapes grown at the Santa Margarita Vineyard in the cool, southwestern portion of the Paso Robles AVA.

What foods pair well with Bishop's Peak Cab? Grilled or smoked red meats highlight its savory, herbal undertones. Braised lamb shanks complement the dark fruit and spice. Aged hard cheeses like Manchego or Gruyère balance the tannins. Roasted portobello mushrooms echo its earthy notes. Dark chocolate with sea salt can mirror the mocha and pepper finish.

What sizes does Bishop's Peak Cab come in? Bishop's Peak Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Bishop's Peak Cab worth the price? It positions as a value-tier Cabernet from a respected estate, regularly scoring 88–91 points from major critics — a strong ratio of quality to cost within the Paso Robles category.

Why Bishop's Peak Cab?

The real differentiator here is provenance: this is fruit from the Santa Margarita Vineyard's cool microclimate, overseen by the Talley family, a name that carries serious credibility on the Central Coast. The extended hang time afforded by that cooler site delivers a Cabernet with more aromatic complexity and herbal nuance than many Paso Robles reds at this price point. Scores of 91 points from both Vinous and Wine Enthusiast confirm that this is not simply a brand-extension afterthought — it is a wine made with the same viticultural care as the flagship. For drinkers seeking a Bordeaux-style California blend with genuine sense of place, Bishop's Peak consistently earns its spot.