Justin Justification 2017

Justin Justification 2017 is a Paso Robles red blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot, bottled at 15% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scored 92 points by Robert Parker and 91 points by Wine Enthusiast, this vintage stands out as a Right Bank Bordeaux-inspired wine that deliberately omits Cabernet Sauvignon — a bold departure from most California Bordeaux-style blends.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15%  |  Origin: Paso Robles, California  |  Vintage: 2017  |  Winery: JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

Production & Heritage

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, located in western Paso Robles, has long argued that Bordeaux varieties thrive in the limestone-rich soils and warm days of California's Central Coast. The Justification bottling channels the spirit of Right Bank Bordeaux by relying exclusively on Cabernet Franc and Merlot — no Cabernet Sauvignon enters the blend. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel open and closed-top tanks using UV43 yeast with twice-daily pump-overs, a regimen designed to extract color, tannin structure, and concentrated fruit character while preserving freshness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose is highly aromatic, opening with ripe black and red cherry alongside blackcurrant before revealing layers of vanilla, cinnamon, cedar, and graphite. Deeper breaths uncover dried herbs, autumn leaves, cocoa, and a subtle smokiness.

Taste: Full-bodied on entry, the palate leads with ripe red and black fruit interlaced with baking spice. At mid-palate, oak and dusty tobacco notes emerge alongside roasted strawberry and a faint iodine minerality. Balanced acidity keeps the wine elegant and fresh despite its generous 15% alcohol.

Finish: Long and complex, with mouth-filling fine tannins that carry lingering cherry fruit, barrel spice, and subtle floral notes. Cedar and oak persist quietly as the wine fades, leaving a warm, satisfying close.

How to Drink Justification 2017

This wine shows its best at cellar temperature — around 60–65°F — with 30 to 45 minutes of decanting to let the tannins soften and aromatics open fully. A broad Bordeaux glass concentrates the layered nose. While it rewards quiet, focused sipping, the Justification's fruit density and structure also make it a natural companion for rich cuisine — treat it as a food wine of real substance.

Best For

• Pairing with a slow-braised lamb shank or grilled ribeye dinner
• Gifting to a collector who appreciates Bordeaux-style California wines
• Anchoring a vertical tasting of JUSTIN's Justification series
• A special-occasion bottle for anniversary dinners or holiday feasts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Justification 2017 taste like? It is a full-bodied red dominated by ripe cherry and blackcurrant fruit with baking spice, cedar, dusty tobacco, and fine-grained tannins. Balanced acidity keeps it elegant despite its rich, concentrated profile.

How does Justification 2017 compare to Right Bank Bordeaux? Like a classic Pomerol or Saint-Émilion, it leads with Cabernet Franc and Merlot and shares a similar structural blueprint of fine tannins and cedar spice. The key difference is Paso Robles' warmer climate, which pushes fruit ripeness and body further, resulting in a fuller, more generous wine at 15% ABV.

Is Justification 2017 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its layered aromatics, balanced acidity, and long finish make it well suited to contemplative sipping on its own, especially after 30 minutes of decanting.

Where is Justification 2017 made? It is produced by JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery in western Paso Robles, a sub-region of California's Central Coast known for its limestone soils and warm continental climate.

What foods pair well with Justification 2017? Grilled lamb chops complement its herbal, garrigue-like notes. Slow-braised short ribs mirror its richness and oak spice. Aged Gruyère or Comté echo its savory, nutty undertones. Duck confit aligns with the wine's dark fruit and fine tannins. A simple charcuterie board with cured meats and aged cheeses also works well.

What sizes does Justification 2017 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Justification 2017 worth the price? With 92 points from Robert Parker and 91 from Wine Enthusiast, Justification 2017 positions as a premium Paso Robles red that competes directly with pricier Right Bank Bordeaux. For drinkers seeking a serious, cellar-worthy Cabernet Franc–Merlot blend from California, it represents strong value at its tier.

Why Justification 2017?

The defining move here is what JUSTIN left out: Cabernet Sauvignon. By building the blend entirely around Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the winery channels a Right Bank Bordeaux philosophy that remains rare in Paso Robles. The 2017 vintage earned 92 points from Robert Parker, confirming that the approach delivers real complexity — not just ripe fruit. Fine tannins, layered aromatics, and a finish that lingers well past the last sip make this a wine that rewards patience and attention in equal measure.