After finishing his coursework for a Ph.D. in Enology and Viticulture at U.C. Davis, Eberle moved to Paso Robles and began his career by co-founding the Estrella River Winery in 1973. After several successful years as the winemaker, Eberle refocused his attention and desire to produce premium, small production wine. Moving only a few miles down highway 46, Eberle soon started his own prestigious label which debuted officially with the release of Eberle’s flagship wine, the 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, he has earned recognition for many firsts in the wine industry including co-founding the Paso Robles Appellation in 1983, the first to list the Paso Robles Appellation on his label, and the first to produce a 100% commercially produced Syrah.

Gary’s first wine with a Paso Robles appellation on the label was his 1980 Cabernet Sauvignon, coming one year after his first Cabernet vintage (’79). This wine follows a great history of fine wine production, and merits attention.
Color: deep and dark, with purple hues and hints of garnet, light shimmers through the wine in the glass.
Aromatics: Redolent with youthful notes of sweet oak; black currant and other dark berries shine through.
Taste Profile: Dry, medium-full bodied, with fresh acidity and medium round tannins. Well balanced and flavorful, with the black currant notes being outweighed by the delightful deep cherry flavors, along with a bit of chocolate and mint. The finish is long and supple.
Food Pairings: This full-flavored Cabernet sings out for heartier fare. The winery suggests such delights as an “oven roasted lamb loin with an herb crust, barbequed rib-eye with a gorgonzola sauce or braised short ribs with a simple reduced red wine sauce.” I wouldn’t overlook Texas-style Barbequed Brisket, either!
By Don Clemens