Wednesday, January 13, 2010

California Dreaming……Paso Robles.

As 2009 went screaming by and my California tasting notes were curtailed by harvest, crush, and the processing of new wine, followed by the holidays, of course, I realize that I still have some winery reports to share.  Considering most of us have been in quite a deep freeze for awhile now, I thought some California Dreaming might be in order.

The last winery in the Paso Robles area that we visited was Eberle Winery (www.eberlewinery.com).  As always, they had some wonderful wines plus couple new releases.  While there is rarely a wine at Eberle that I don’t like, here are some of the stand-outs from our visit.

2008 Mill Road Viognier had just been released.  As always,  Eberle Viognier was excellent.  There was honeysuckle and apricot in the classic aromas followed by luscious peach and melon.  There is an incredible consistency in Eberle’s Viognier, no matter the vintage.  This wine goes with everything from seafood to Thai.  $20.00

2008 Estate Chardonnay – While this is a lighter style Chardonnay, it is so loaded with fruit that it bursts on the palate.  Classic green apple is accompanied by pineapple, pear and a nice bit of oak and vanilla.  $18.00

2008 Cotes-du-Robles Blanc – This was a new wine/release of a white Rhone blend.  With 49% Roussanne, 33% Grenache Blanc, and 18% Viognier , the aromatics were wonderful.  The crisp acidity gives this wine the backbone for buttery dishes and is backed up by some very nice tropical fruit.  $24.00

NV Full Boar Red – apparently the name Eberle means “boar” and that is the logo/symbol used on various things at the winery, in names, and on t-shirts etc.  This is a really nice every day wine.  It is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with a bit of Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah.  There is a smoky character to it that is rather unique and quite memorable.  It is only available at the winery or from the winery direct.  A good buy at $15.00

2007 Barbera – what a knockout!  Big wine, great fruit, with raspberry and cherry and soft tannins.  This wine is a mouthful of excellence.  Small production specialty.  $25.00

2006 Syrah Steinbeck Vineyard – Incredible black cherry with just the right amount of white pepper and vanilla.  This is classic Rhone style.  This wine is expected to live for many more years and I would agree with that.  I plan to hold onto mine for a few years longer to see.  $20.00

Next:  Finally moving on to Lodi

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