If one thing is for certain about the newest edition of Uncorking the Central Coast, I enjoyed my share of wines from Paso Robles and the Edna Valley. Don't worry Santa Barbara County; I will get to you soon. Another surprise from this edition is the focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. You can still count me as a loyal Rhone Ranger, but I am expanding the palate to include the Burgundy varietal wines.
Once again, there were a few standouts from this tasting with notable mentions for Écluse Wines, Dragonette Cellars, Vines on the Marycrest, Daou Vineyards, Alta Colina, Chamisal Vineyards and Herman Story. Each of these wines exhibited robust structure, texture, distinctive fruit characteristics, balanced acidity and a true reflection of each grape varietal in the wine.
Once again, there were a few standouts from this tasting with notable mentions for Écluse Wines, Dragonette Cellars, Vines on the Marycrest, Daou Vineyards, Alta Colina, Chamisal Vineyards and Herman Story. Each of these wines exhibited robust structure, texture, distinctive fruit characteristics, balanced acidity and a true reflection of each grape varietal in the wine.
Ratings: ✭✭✭✭✭ = Outstanding | ✭✭✭✭ = Excellent | ✭✭✭ = Good/Average | ✭✭ = Below Average | ✭ = Poor
Blueberry, blackberry, toasted oak and a meaty backbone round out this unique blend from this growing and award-winning Westside Paso Robles winery. Syrah gives this wine wonderful structure and tannins, while the Zinfandel offers vibrant fruit expressions on the nose. 69% Zinfandel, 31% Syrah. ✭✭✭✭
Dark berries, earth and chalky aromas. Plump mid-palate with blueberry and vanilla flavors. Gripping tannins and a lingering finish. Grapes harvested from Watch Hill, Demetria and Shadow Canyon Vineyards. ✭✭✭✭
Citrus, peach, white flowers and minerality with a creamy mouthfeel and stone fruit flavors. Stainless steel and French oak. ✭✭✭
Some wines are made for high scores and others are simply made to enjoy with a home cooked meal. The 2006 Heart of Glass is a comfort wine with bright fruit and floral aromas, a strawberry and cherry core mid-palate and a lush finish with wonderfully balanced acidity. 72% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah. ✭✭✭✭
This full-bodied wine has received acclaim from noted wine reviewers, Stephen Tanzer and Robert Parker Jr. The 2006 California Syrah exhibits black fruit, black currant, and dark mocha notes rounding out with a grapey finish. Grapes are harvested from Harrison-Clarke, White Hawk, Watch Hill and Booker Vineyards. 33 months in new and used French oak. ✭✭✭
Ripe dark fruit and plum aromas. Youthful, juicy flavors of plum, black cherry and oak finishing with black pepper, spice and supple tannins. Viognier softens the mid-palate and adds a touch of minerality. Additional cellaring should add more depth and complexity. 95% Petite Sirah, 5% Viognier. ✭✭✭✭
Fragrant, ripe noise of stone fruit. Rich, creamy palate of tropic fruit flavors. Crisp finish and minerality. Unquestionably, this was the favorite wine over the holidays and a wonderfully crafted white Rhône blend wine that showcases the nuances of each grape varietal. 69% Viognier, 18% Roussanne, 7% Marsanne, 6% Grenache Blanc. ✭✭✭✭
Zesty citrus and tropical fruit aromas with pure stone fruit flavors and a crisp meyer lemon finish. ✭✭✭
Rich, dark berry aromas. Tar and expresso flavors. Expressing depth, complexity and balanced acidity. ✭✭✭
When I drink this wine, I think of the character Joan Holloway on AMC's Mad Men: voluptuous, complex, seductive and sultry. She is full of black cherry, plum, strawberry, lavender, nutmeg and mocha expressions with unmatched structure and a focused finish. ✭✭✭✭✭
Pale golden color. Tropical fruit flavors combined with pineapple, vanilla and toasted oak flavors. ✭✭✭
The "Chamisal spice" notes are abundant on the nose and palate with rich cherry and strawberry flavors. This is an uplifting Pinot Noir from the Edna Valley with lively fruit characteristics and juicy flavors. ✭✭✭✭
Rustic and earthy aromas give way to blackberry and black pepper notes. Medium weight, lush finish with silky tannins. 44% Syrah, 28% Mourvèdre, 28% Grenache. ✭✭✭
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