The Sans Maison Transporter from Paso Robles is the daily-drinking Cabernet Sauvignon that all you fruit-bomb terrorists have been longing for. And at this price, your habit won’t put you in bankruptcy court.
The Featured wine of Episode 84: Pairs With Transporter Cabernet and Becoming Your Parents
Retail Price: $34.00
Wine Spies Price: $23.00
What Does Sans Maison Mean, Anyway?
The literal translation of sans maison is “without house.” Owner and winemaker Nick Elliot believes the phrase represents wanderlust and making your home wherever you are. The creator of Transporter Cabernet Sauvignon has an impressive resume, learning the ropes first from Scott Hawley of Torrin, then continuing at other big-scoring wineries such as Alta Colina, Law Estate, and Booker. He then ventured on his own with Sans Maison, his own metaphorical adventurous wine endeavor. Each year, when Elliott tastes through barrels, there are always a handful that intrigue and entice him. And that’s exactly what we have here.
I hate the term “drinkable,” as in, “this wine is so drinkable.” It’s not like we use the word “edible” to describe food. “Wow, this chicken is so edible.” But if the term has come to mean, “I can drink this today and don’t have to wait five years,” then I’m going to go for it. This is a totally drinkable wine: a rich, pure, balanced wine with all the yummy things you want in a Cabernet. It’s packed with black cherry liqueur, Ludens cherry drops, and raspberry jam. It also has a fascinating minty/eucalyptus thing going on…and maybe a hint of Caramello Bar? Furthermore, it’s ripe but not syrupy or condensed, as some Paso Cabernets are known for.
Like all wine featured on The wine Spies, it’s a super-small production wine. But they took every case the winery would part with, so you won’t miss out on this one if you blink. That said, don’t blink.
About The Sans Maison Winery
Sans Maison Winery farms its fruit from a variety of sought-after vineyards throughout California’s Central Coast. Each year, when Nick Elliott tastes through his barrels, there are always a handful that intrigue and entice him. These barrels are set aside, thought about constantly, and finally crafted to find a home within Sans Maison. Nick Elliott established Sans Maison Winery in 2012 at the Tin City coop facility in Paso Robles, CA.
Home. Everyone has a different definition of what home means. Home may represent the physical place where one lives. Home may represent the ever intriguing and comfort of exploring the open road, never to settle down in one place. Sans Maison is for those who find solace in wanderlust, who trust one’s path and create their home out of their journey. Skillfully crafted by Nick Elliott, Sans Maison wines will certainly find a home with you.
