In Paso Robles, Justin Vineyards & Winery Sees Its Portfolio Thrive

Paso Robles, California-based Justin Vineyards & Winery has seen its profile rise in recent years, with volume reaching approximately 275,000 cases in 2018. Justin earned its second consecutive Impact “Hot Brand” honor this year, after roughly tripling in size since 2010. The brand is part of The Wonderful Company, owned by Stewart and Lynda Resnick, whose portfolio also includes Fiji Water, POM Wonderful, and other brands.

The Justin range is led by its flagship Isosceles label, a Bordeaux-style blend that retails at $76 and saw 30,000 cases produced for the 2016 vintage. “Isosceles is what we’ve built our reputation on,” says winemaker Scott Shirley. “It helped establish Paso Robles as a great region for luxury Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties.”

While Isosceles is Justin’s calling card, much of the brand’s volume is in its Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, which does around 150,000 cases and retails at $27. The portfolio also attracts newer wine drinkers with its range of entry-level whites and rosé, which begin at $20. Justin’s total plantings have now reached 700 acres, which Shirley says offers further headroom for the future.

Looking forward, Shirley says the winery will continue to boost its higher-end offerings, which include a variety of bottlings beyond Isosceles. Among them are Justification, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot that sells for around $60; Savant, a $50 blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon; and Isosceles Reserve, which sees more extended aging and sells at $105. Also in Justin’s upscale Signature Series are Focus and Eighty One, a 100% Syrah and a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, respectively, that retail for $105 each, as well as Bordeaux blend Right Angle ($35).

Shirley foresees further expansion for Paso Robles—which skews younger than Napa in terms of consumers—and believes the region’s future is strong. “Paso has well over 200 brands now,” he says. “We’re gaining more recognition in the marketplace.”—Shane English

Tagged : Isosceles, Justin Vineyards

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