Winery
of the Week: Sextant - Paso Robles
At
Sextant, they believe in a "hands-off" approach to
making wine. Most important to them is selecting to right terroir
for their grapes to grow, and California's central coast provides
a rich and optimal variety. Thus, they've made their wine-making
home in Paso Robles and draw from vineyards there and nearby
to produce wines of an uncompromising quality.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Sextant
2014 SLH Pinot Noir
Winery:
Sextant
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Paso Robles, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Waves of strawberries, plums, and cherries are accented
by earthy and floral notes on the nose. That bright red
fruit carries through on the palate with some lively suggestions
of licorice, spring flowers, and earth backing it up.
A friendly acidity and lovely nuance make this an inviting
Pinot. Open a bottle with pork tenderloin.
Rating: 90 |
 |
Sextant
2013 "El Pomar" Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Sextant
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso
Robles,, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 120-125
Review:
A wealth of blackberries, cherries, and currants rises
up from a glass weaving in expressions of oak and caramel.
The wonderfully lush dark fruit comes through on the palate,
wandering into accents of smoky oak, mint, and clove.
With enticing fruit and nice depth, filet mignon would
make an ideal companion.
Rating: 92 |
 |
Sextant
2014 "Karmal" Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Sextant
Grape(s): 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13%
Merlot, 6 % Malbec, and 3% Cabernet Franc
Region: Paso
Robles, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 45-50
Review:
Elements of currants and dark berries play with traces
of dark chocolate, clove, and herbs on the nose. Smooth
and supple on the palate, polished tannins carry flavors
of cassis, blackberry, and blueberry into allusions of
cedar, fresh herbs, and clove. An elegant, layered, fruit-forward
wine, it hits a lot of right notes.
Rating: 91 |
 |
Sextant
2014 "Holystone" Zinfandel
Winery:
Sextant
Grape(s): 100% "Zinfandel
Region: Paso
Robles, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
There's blackberries, black cherries, and strawberries
accented by highlights of clove and cedar on the nose.
Lots of dark cherry and strawberry envelop the palate,
alongside hints of herbs, clove, and smoky oak. Nice fruit
and structure endear this wine to a juicy cheeseburger
from the grill.
Rating: 90 |
 |
Sextant
2014 "Wheelhouse" Zinfandel
Winery:
Sextant
Grape(s): 76% Zinfandel 15% Petite Sirah
and 9% Syrah
Region: Paso
Robles,
California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Lovely red fruit combines with herbaceous and earthy indications
on the nose. Supple flavors of strawberry, cherry, and
raspberry form a nice core that brings in a few undertones
of herbs, minerals, and vanilla. Refined tannins and ample
red fruit make this Zin a fine match for a margarita pizza.
Rating: 90 |
 |
Sextant
2015 Chardonnay
Winery:
Sextant
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Central
Coast,
California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
One is drawn into a glass by aromas of peaches, pineapples,
and melons that are backed up with whispers of creamy
oak. The palate brings together flavors of pineapple,
apple, and peach with accents of lemon custard and limestone.
This Chardonnay has a nice balance of a rich body and
a bright acidity, making it a good pairing for swordfish.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|
