Description

Turning Tide Cabernet Sauvignon

Turning Tide is the passion project of winemaker, environmentalist and outdoor enthusiast Alisa Jacobson, who goes by AJ. With more than 28 years of winemaking experience, AJ studied at UC Davis before honing her craft in the cellars at Joseph Phelps and later serving as VP of Winemaking for Joel Gott, where she oversaw vineyard and winery operations across California, Oregon and Washington as well as international projects, including producing two Wine Spectator Top 100 wines. She founded Turning Tide in 2018 with the first releases hitting the market in 2020.

The philosophy behind every bottle is equal parts winemaking and environmental activism. AJ works exclusively with vineyards farmed organically, sustainably and regeneratively, with a focus on protecting water purity and promoting long-term soil and vine health. The wines are bottled in lightweight recyclable glass with labels made from 100% recycled fibers, printed with compostable ink and free from plastic coatings. Foil is skipped entirely on cork-finished bottles, because as AJ puts it, less waste means a greener future.

The 2023 growing season was one of the coolest in recent memory, rivaling only AJ’s very first harvest in 1998. Hurricane Hillary brought an unexpected surge of wet weather in August, though most of the Central Coast escaped significant humidity issues as fruit maturity was still early at that point. Warmer days followed, pushing toward an early October harvest that required fast and meticulous picking to keep sugar and alcohol levels in check. The result is a vintage with beautifully luminous color, soft yet perfectly ripe tannins and a fresh, elegant character that reflects the cool season’s best qualities.

Paso Robles, California

Organic Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are sourced entirely from select vineyards on both the east and west sides of California Highway 101 within the Paso Robles AVA. This dual-sided sourcing brings together ripe fruit aromatics and flavor concentration from the warmer east side with the structure and freshness of the cooler west, creating a wine that is powerful yet restrained. Early picking decisions are central to AJ’s approach, preserving brightness and keeping alcohol in balance.

Turning Tide Cabernet Sauvignon Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Luminous ruby red with a bright, jewel-toned clarity characteristic of a cool growing season
• AROMA: Alluring aromas of blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum, framed by sweet cedar spice and lifted mineral notes
• TASTE: Tart and lively on the palate with crunchy red fruit, crushed wild herbs and bright, zippy acidity reminiscent of a fresh-picked blood orange, supported by soft and gentle tannins that add structure without weight
• FINISH: Clean and refreshing with a light grippy texture, lingering red fruit and a subtle herbal mineral edge that highlights this lighter, fresher style of Cabernet
• ABV: 13%