Hearthstone
Estate Vineyard |
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Hearthstone
2006 Grenache / Paso Robles
Sourced from the Hearthstone Estate Vineyard and blended
with a splash of Syrah, this Grenache opens up with a
lush fruit forward nose. Aromas of ripe plum, currants,
dried cherry, and fig unfurl into deeper notes of cinnamon,
pepper, and a hint of clove. When sipped, the smooth red
fruit flavors are echoed on the palate. The finish comes
with a kick of lively pepper. A softer, lighter wine that
does not lack for flavor, it could compliment grilled
duck in a semi-sweet berry sauce or a variety of other
poultry. Enjoy this one while it lasts. Only 100 cases
were produced.
Score:
90
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Hearthstone
2006 Slipstone / Paso Robles
Another estate grown offering from Hearthstone. A fine
blend of Grenache and Syrah, this wine opens up into a
deep, layered nose. Bold notes of white pepper and bacon
flow into sweet plum, blackberry, and cherry, with hints
of sage and sandalwood lingering in deeper pockets. Bright
flavors of plum, blackberry, and pepper blend with notes
of licorice and smoky herbs on the palate. A graceful
wine with nice depth, it could hold up to a seasoned steak
or succulent beef ribs.
Score:
89 |
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Hearthstone
2006 Profundo / Paso Robles
Here we have a Tuscan style blend with a twist of Syrah.
It's a big one, so give it some time and oxygen to mellow.
The resulting wine envelopes the senses with aromas of
black and blueberries that move into notes of burnt currants,
licorice, and vanilla. Sip it slowly and appreciate the
bright berry and currant flavors with nice accents of
pepper, leather, and vanilla. Enjoy this wine with some
pasta in a Bolognese sauce.
Score:
87 |
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Sculpterra
2008
Viognier / Paso Robles
This Viognier is a first vintage from the Frankel Family
Vineyard located in the rolling hills of Paso Robles.
The nose is rich with intoxicating honeysuckle, layered
over notes of tropical fruit and zesty hints of lemon.
Sip it slowly and flavors of mango, sweet pineapple,
and California flowers flow into touches of stone fruit,
honey, and grapefruit. The finish is bright with a crisp
clean acidity that ends with lingering floral notes.
This is an excellent choice for an aperitif or to savor
with some fresh crab cakes.
Score:
90
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Sculpterra
Figurine 2007 / Paso Robles
A California blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Zinfandel,
and 11% Merlot, this wine opens up with a big, bright
nose. Aromas of spicy blackberries and strawberry jam
meld nicely with currants and white pepper. Bold tannins
carry rich dark berry flavors with accents of spice
and vanilla that close with lush notes of raspberry
and strawberry. Open a bottle and turn dinner into a
small celebration with barbequed chicken, ribs, and
hamburgers.
Score:
91
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Sculpterra
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 / Paso Robles
Conditions in 2005 allowed for a long growing season
and great hang time. After aging in French and Hungarian
Oak, the resulting wine is elegant and soft with an
excellent classical structure. Given a chance to breathe
in a glass, scents of ripe cherry, currants, and raspberry
give way to softer notes of vanilla, chocolate, and
a touch of oak. On the palate, the layered berry flavors
return, moving into dried fruit flavors alongside dark
chocolate, spice, earthy truffles, and hints of smoke.
Pair this with a rare prime rib or a luscious dessert.
Score:
91
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Sculpterra
Syrah 2006 / Paso Robles
This Syrah is another first vintage from Sculpterra.
From its deep, dark purple hue emanates powerful aromas
of plum, blackberry, and blueberry with effervescent
accents of spice and hickory smoke. The palate is packed
with bramble fruit and sweet cherry, with an engaging
zest of pepper and other spices. The wine is light,
its mouthfeel smooth, and the finish bright as it closes
upon notes of spice and dried fruit. Look out for future
vintages of this varietal. There is plenty of potential..
Score:
90
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Vina
Robles 2008 Huerhuero White 4 / Paso Robles
Here we have an engaging, unusual blend of Sauvignon
Blanc, Verdelho, Vermentino, and Viognier. After six
months of aging, the wine emerges with a brilliant summertime
nose packed with ripe apricot, white peach, and pear
along with notes of mineral and a few floral accents.
With a smooth creamy mouthfeel, the palate carries the
same apricot and pear with suggestions of orange, honey,
and citrus providing a nice depth. The wine finishes
with a fresh kiss of acidity. Enjoy a bottle with a
shrimp pasta or grilled halibut.
Score:
87
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Vina
Robles 2007 Huerhuero Red 4 / Paso Robles
Winemaker Mattias Gubler brings us a deep, robust blend
of Petite Syrah, Syrah, Tannat, and Touriga. Swirling
a glass releases bold aromas of intense blackberry,
baked currants, and black cherry. Springtime notes of
violet and lavender fade into hints of pepper, oak,
and other spices. When sipped, bold tannins carry poignant
dark berry flavors that flow into notes of flowers,
spice, and oak from 14 months of aging. Try a bottle
the next time you sit down to a hearty steak dinner
or cook up a grand roast beef. This wine can stand up
to either.
Score:
89
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Vina
Robles 2006 Huerhuero Cabernet Sauvignon
/ Paso Robles
All the fruit was handpicked for this vintage to ensure
premium ripeness. The wine was then aged for 18 months
in new French and American oak. After such painstaking
efforts, a lovely rich wine emerges. Blended with 24%
Petit Verdot, the wine exudes rich aromas of blackberry,
currants, black cherry, and plum that move into notes
of oak, sweet tobacco, and clove. The currants, plum,
and black cherry re-emerge on the palate and close with
hints of smoky oak at the finish. This wine has the
structure to stand up to any hearty beef dish, so open
a bottle and enjoy.
Score:
90
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