Sort This Out Cellars: Where Wiseguys Raise a Glass to "This Thing of Ours"

Where do wiseguys meet up with The Rat Pack for a glass of VinoNostra? No, its not the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Those days are long gone and the Venetian now sits on the site of the former Sands Hotel. Wiseguys and their goomah's are loading up into the Cadillac and heading to the quaint town of Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley. Don't be alarmed. They are only here for the wine and not to shakedown local businesses...yet.

kukkula 2005 i.p.o - Paso Robles

Background: Kevin Jussila turned an interest in wine into a passion for wine. With the family in tow, Kevin purchased his prime Chimney Rock property in 2004 and began his winemaking career. When purchased, the property had about 75 acres of mature walnut trees and just over an acre of Cabernet. Today, some of the walnut acreage has been replaced by 16 acres of vines, and 8 acres of mostly French varietal olives. Grape varietals planted are Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Counoise, and Zinfandel.

Kukkula is Finnish for “the hill” and refers to owner/winemaker Kevin Jussila’s Finnish heritage and the family’s 80-acre hillside property west of Paso Robles. They are focused on producing Rhone and blended red wines from vines grown organically and dry farmed, and are located on Chimney Rock Road in the heart of the Adelaida area.

Stats: kukkula 2005 i.p.o - Paso Robles ($20) is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 10% Zinfandel. Alcohol 14.6% by volume. 391 cases

Tasting Notes: Call me crazy put I pick up the distinct aroma of corn on the cob, cherry and rich earth. Strange? Probably so, but I stand by my claim. On the palate, the smooth texture and edges give way to alluring flavors of cherry, cola, coffee and white pepper with supple tannins and a round mouthfeel. Another value-oriented, food-pairing wine of subtle distinction from Paso Robles.

kukkula
9535 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles
(805) 227-0111
Tasting by appointment only