If you have never been to Paso Robles during the harvest season, you have missed an excitingly crazy time. Most wineries were having pairing or serving hors d’oeuvre with their wines. Lucky for us, we arrived at the tail end of events and got to taste some really good wines in a low key atmosphere. Wine brings people together. It’s not just the wine, it is also the experience. We visited seven wineries. We met good people and had a great experience. I highly recommend visiting them.
Kukkula Winery is one of my favorites. If you like fruity, well balanced, complex Rhone blends that linger just right on your tongue and lead to a silky smooth Finnish (All the wines have Finnish names.. I couldn’t resist.), you will love Kukkula.
TH Estate Wines (formerly Terry Hoage), has a variety of Rhone Blends and GSM’s. The price points are good for the style and quality of theses wines.
Justin Vineyards and Winery, loved the 2013 Right Angle and 2012 Isoceles. The Right Angle is a Cab, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Malbec blend. The Isosceles is a Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc blend. Both wines are a steal, priced under $35.
Halter Ranch Vineyard has a GSM rosé that has tropical hints of Guava, watermelon and strawberries. A must for rosé lovers. I also liked the 2013 CDP which is a GSM + Tannot. At $35 it is a good deal. Most of the wines they were pouring were $35 or less except for their Flagship wine, The 2013 Ancestor which was $55. The Ancestor is a Cab, Malbec Petite Verdot blend that reminded me of a candy bar.
Law Estate Wines is by appointment only. They offer a seated tasting which made the tasting a social event. We had the pleasure of being seated with Bernie Brauer and his long time friend Irene Ross. Law wines are priced in the $69 range. The 2012 Beyond Category is a Syrah, Grenache, Cab Sav, Mourvedre,Petite Sirah blend. 2012 Intrepid is a Syrah, Grenache blend. 2012 Audacious is a Syrah, Cab Sav, Grenache blend, 2012 Sagacious is a Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache blend. And The 9’s, which is priced at $90, is 100% Grenache. All the wines are very nice and I ended up taking a bottle of Sagacious home. Kathleen was a gracious host and we had a wonderful wine experience. Make the appointment.
Law Estate Wines
Law Estate Wines
Asuncion Ridge Vineyard has a tasting room in downtown Paso. Heather was our host and her sense of humor kept us in stitches. Asuncion’s wines are reasonably priced. They have a well balanced 2012 Estate Pinot Noir. The 2012 Salacious is a GSM. The 2012 Lascivious is a Mourvedre, Cab Sav, Syrah blend that reminds me of a cherry Jolly Rancher. We were treated to a barrel tasting of their 2013 Inception. A Cab Sav, Syrah blend. I found it to be fruit forward and well balanced. I am looking forward to it being released.
Our last stop was Anglim Winery. I am so glad we didn’t pass it up. It is very rare to find a winery that you like ALL of their wines. Kukkula, TH Estate Wines and Anglim Wines come to mind. Steffanie Anglim poured eleven wines. The price point for the quality of wines is excellent. Average price $28 with the most expensive bottle being $42. They have three Bien Nacido Vineyard Viogniers; Pressed-Neutral French Oak, Pressed New French Oak, Skin Contact-New French Oak. All SBC 2013. A 2014 GSM Viognier Rosé. Really nice. The Red wine selection included; 2012 Grenache, 2012 Cerise is a GSM+ Viognier, 2012 Mourvedre Hasting Ranch is 100% Mourvedre, 2012 Best Barrel Blend GSM blend, 2012 ZSM Hasting Ranch is a Zin, Syrah, Mourvedre blend. and 2006 Gorgeous is a fortified dessert wine. There are no bad glasses here. Add Anglim to you list of wineries to visit.
Another successful weekend filled with aromas, flavors and great people. I♥ Paso.
Ciao