Winery
of the Week:
Rich Rhone Reds from Paso Robles
Paso
Robles is a premier growing region for red Rhone varieties
in California. The area tends to produce hearty, food-friendly
wines that are ideal for any summer gathering. So share a bottle
or two with a few friends and discover the rich world of Paso
Robles Rhone.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
J.
Lohr 2011 "Gesture" Mourvèdre
Winery:
J. Lohr
Grape(s): 95% Mourvèdre &
5% Syrah
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of pomegranates, cherries, and raspberries meld
with smoked meat and spice on the nose. Notes of cherry,
pomegranate, and plum interweave with hints of bacon,
white pepper, and licorice on the palate. A lush, lively
red that echoes the Rhone Valley, it's well worth a try.
358 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
J.
Lohr 2011 "Gesture" Syrah
Winery:
J. Lohr
Grape(s): 99% Syrah & 1% Mourvèdre
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: n/a
Review:
Aromas of bramble fruit and plum come together with suggestions
of white pepper, smoked meat, and vanilla on the nose.
The palate delivers flavors of blackberry and plum accented
by notes of pepper, game, and vanilla. A heartier Syrah,
with nice highlights of spice, enjoy a bottle with lamb
chops or roast chicken. 435 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
J.
Lohr 2011 "Gesture" GSM
Winery:
J. Lohr
Grape(s): 60% Grenache, 37% Syrah &
3% Mourvèdre
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
The nose offers notes of strawberries, plums, and blackberries
along with nuances of white pepper. The palate reveals
flavors of bramble fruit and plum that coalesce with suggestions
of all-spice, minerals, and pepper. A light, bright Rhone-style
blend, enjoy a bottle with baked salmon or pork tenderloin.
411 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Cass
Winery 2012 Mourvèdre
Winery:
Cass Winery
Grape(s): 100% Mourvèdre
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
A bouquet of raspberries, cherries, and game rises up
from a glass. Flavors of cherry, cranberry, and raspberry
emerge on the palate along with notes of leather, white
pepper, and minerals. A bright, gamy red with plush tannins,
fans of varietal Mourvèdre should give this bottle
a try.
Rating: 88 |
|
Vina
Robles 2010 "Syrée" Blend
Winery:
Vina Robles
Grape(s): 78% Syrah & 22% Petite
Sirah
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Fragrances of blackberries, blueberries, and black cherries
mingle with nuances of dark chocolate, game, and sweet
spice. A sip delivers flavors of bramble fruit and blueberry
that open-up into suggestions of baker's chocolate, game,
and all-spice. A big, rich red with plentiful tannins,
enjoy a bottle with BBQ ribs or a hearty beef stew. 669
cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Midnight
Cellars 2008 "Eclipse" Petite Sirah
Winery:
Midnight Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Petite Sirah
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2008
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and black cherries
come together with suggestions of roast coffee, dusty
earth, and spice on the nose. The palate unfurls flavors
of blueberry, plum, and black cherry accented by hints
of minerals, dark chocolate, and game. Rich and hearty,
this is for fans of big, bold, and robust wines. 150 cases
produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Niner
Estates 2012 Petite Sirah
Winery:
Niner Estates
Grape(s): 87% Petite Sirah & 13%
Syrah
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, blueberries, and plums meld
with hints of toasted coconut and dark chocolate on the
nose. A sip delivers flavors of bramble fruit and black
cherry accented by suggestions of toasty oak and cocoa.
A supple red with plentiful tannins, enjoy a bottle with
a beef stew. 800 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Niner
Estates 2013 "Vineyard Select" Grenache
Winery:
Niner Estates
Grape(s): 89% Grenache, 6% Syrah, &
5% Petite Sirah
Region: Edna Valley
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 240-45
Review:
Notes of cherries, blackberries, and strawberries interweave
with suggestions of leather, spice, and dried roses on
the nose. The palate reveals flavors of strawberries and
bramble fruit that open-up into nuances of smoked meat,
dark chocolate, all-spice. A lighter but still hearty
wine, with plush tannins, it will pair nicely with pulled-pork.
350 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
|