THE STORY
At the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter’s summer party, a long-standing member brought today’s Tobin James Cellars wine. It was the wine I kept going back to. But I didn’t really “get it” until after the party, that my friend, whose last name is Toscano, had brought this Super Toscano!
Back the late 1990’s, we visited Tobin James on the regular – such a fun atmosphere, delicious wines, and a little play area for kids right inside. We were amazed you could also find his wines in the California grocery stores!
This is my first post about Tobin James wines.
THE WINERY
From their website:
“It all started with six tons of extra grapes…When a local grape harvester showed up at with six tons of Zinfandel grapes that he was willing to give away, Tobin “Toby” James, a young assistant winemaker at the time, asked if he could have the grapes to make his own wine. “Sure kid, knock yourself out,” the owner replied. A year and a half later, Toby’s first wine—the now-famous 1985 Blue Moon Zinfandel—won double gold medals, and a spot on The Wine Spectator’s coveted “Top 100 Wines of the Year.” Tobin James Cellars was born.
“For the next few years, Toby quietly produced his own popular small-batch wines, tasting and selling them out of a local wine shop in Paso Robles. Then in 1993, Toby finally took the plunge and built Tobin James Cellars. In 1996, Toby was joined by partners and winemakers, Lance and Claire Silver, who updated and expanded the winery. They also launched the “James Gang” Wine Club, California’s most popular wine club.”
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 1 Tobin James wine.Winery notes come from the winery’s website. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the websites of others. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2023 Tobin James Blue Moon Reserve Super Toscano, Paso Robles, 14.2% ABV, $95 (#1803) 46% Cabernet Sauvignon 46% Sangiovese 8% Merlot
Winery Notes: “Our perfect expression of a Paso Robles Super Tuscan blend. We are pleased to welcome 2023 Blue Moon Super Toscano to the Blue Moon family of reserves. Super Tuscans call Italy home, but our exciting Super Toscano reminds us that there is no place like our home, Tobin James Cellars, Paso Robles.
“Sourced from top vineyards in Paso’s Willow Creek and Adelaida, the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Sangiovese highlight each other’s enticing red fruits and elegant acidity. It is medium bodied and the touch of Merlot refines the tannin structure.
“Savory herbs, Bing cherry, white pepper, and delicate dried rose petal aromas draw you in to take the first exciting taste. Pops of red pomegranate, red currant, cherry and cassis bring layers of rich flavors. The finish is luxuriously long and satisfying. Aged for 20 months in 30% new French Oak barrels enhances the aromas, mouthfeel, and adds subtle vanilla toast.
“Food pairings: Grilled lamb, rich braised meat dishes, pasta with truffle cream sauce, meaty pizzas. Pair with Fontina, Taleggio, aged Parmesan, Pecorino Toscano and Ricotta cheeses.”
My Review: Garnet in the glass. A pretty nose of raspberry blackberry, cedar, and Kalamata olive. A deliciously blended palate, medium richness, with cherry notes and light tannins on the finish. Juicy. This was drinking pretty well on Day 2 – and could have been decanted at our party. July 2026
THE TASTING ROOM
“Located eight miles east of Paso Robles on Highway 46, Tobin James Cellars sits among 71 acres of vineyards and oak dotted hills. Built from the ground up on the site of the old “10-mile Stagecoach Stop,” our old-fashioned western-style tasting room saloon embraces the rough and rugged frontier history of Paso Robles, California.”
The Tobin James Tasting Room is located at 8950 Union Road, Paso Robles, California 93446 Reservations are recommended. You can get a reservation by calling (805) 239-2204 or filling out an online form. Get more info on their tasting room here: https://www.tobinjames.com/contact
© Decanting Monterey 2026
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