Winery
of the Week:
Lovely Rhone Whites & Rosé from Paso Robles
Rhone
grape varieties grown in California produce some lovely
white and rosé wines. They tend to be lively, floral,
and bright, which makes them ideal to drink during the warmest
months of the year. Here are a few from Paso Robles, a prime
area in the state for top-notch Rhone-style blends, that are
sure to enhance any summer meal or gathering.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Niner
Estates 2013 "Silhouette Du Coeur" Blend
Winery:
Niner Estates
Grape(s): 43% Marsanne, 32% Grenache
Blanc, & 25% Roussanne
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 20-25
Review:
A bouquet of apricot and citrus fruits along with floral
suggestions greets the senses. Flavors of tangerine and
apricot blend with nuances of white-blossoms, minerals,
and honey on the palate. A flavorful white, with a fresh
mineral backbone, enjoy a bottle with pork or white fish.
325 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Vina
Robles 2013 Roseum
Winery:
Vina Robles
Grape(s): 94% Syrah & 6% Viognier
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
Fragrances of ripe red fruit and butterscotch greets the
senses. Flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and raspberry
meld with hints of butterscotch on the palate. A mouth-filling
rosé, with ample fruit and a bit of sweetness,
it will pair nicely with grilled chicken or crab cakes.
714 cases were made.
Rating: 87 |
|
J.
Lohr 2013 "RVG" White Blend
Winery:
J. Lohr
Grape(s): 48% Roussanne, 36% Grenache
Blanc, 16% Viognier
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromas of apricot, pear, and white-blossoms mingle with
hints of honey and apple-butter on the nose. The palate
reveals flavors of pear, apricot, and lemon accented by
creamy and nutty suggestions. A full-bodied white, with
a welcoming acidity, this is not your run-of-the-mill
California Rhone blend. 433 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Midnight
Cellars 2012 "Aurora" White Blend
Winery:
Midnight Cellars
Grape(s): 54% Viognier, 26% Picpoul Blanc,
15% Grenache Blanc, & 5% Marsanne
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of tropical fruit, melon, and peach interweave
with floral notes on the nose. A sip delivers flavors
of honeydew, banana, and peach mingle with notes of lemon-custard,
orange-blossoms, and sweet spice. A rich, round white,
with a balanced acidity, enjoy a bottle with your favorite
Thai dish. 220 cases were made.
Rating: 88 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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