Paso Robles, California was established as an AVA (Amercan Viticultural Area) in 1983, and ever since, adventurous wine lovers have sung its praises—lauding the region’s ability to produce superb quality winegrapes, bursting with flavors and ripeness. Vintage upon vintage, this fabulous fruit has inspired Paso Robles winemakers to push the envelope in one way or another. The most splendid blends of Paso Robles range from traditional Rhône and Bordeaux varietals to many non-traditional blends that make our palates stand up and take notice. We sampled more than two cases of white and red blends for this story and happily recognize that we’ve only just begun.
2013 Adelaida Cellars Version White
42% Viognier, 41% Roussanne, 17% Grenache Blanc
These white grapes show a luscious succulence
balanced by natural acidity.
2010 August Ridge Ingenious
68% Nebbiolo, 22% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Thanks to its unique microclimate, the Nebbiolo stands
up brilliantly to the Bordeaux varietals.
2011 Bella Luna Estate Winery Estate Riserva
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Sangiovese
From one of the few dry-farmed, head-trained
Sangiovese vineyards in California.
2012 Calcareous Très Violet
45% Mourvèdre, 37% Grenache, 18%
Syrah Violet is a family name, but it also aptly
describes the wine’s beautiful color and aromas.
2010 Cypher Wines Louis Cypher
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Mourvèdre,
Souzãu, Tinto Cão, Tannat, Alicante Bouschet,
Petit Verdot, Teroldego
An eclectic blend of nine unique grapes,
this wine fills the mouth and lingers and lingers.
2012 Eberle Côtes-du-Rôbles
43% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre, 5% Durif
According to Winemaker Gary Eberle,
This wine is “juicy, like drinking a spoonful of mixed berries.”
2012 Ecluse Wines Improv
27% Zinfandel, 27% Petite Sirah, 20% Mourvèdre,
20% Merlot, 6% Grenache
This eclectic improvisational blend follows no
rules with layers of dark fruit and a long finish.
2011 J. Lohr Cuvée POM
83% Merlot, 11% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc,
1% Cabernet Sauvignon
Inspired by the Grand Cru wines of Pomerol,
this vintage contains more Malbec than its predecessors.
2011 Law Estate Audacious
38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Syrah,
18% Grenache, 8% Petite Sirah
This very intriguing blend has full-bodied
richness, depth, and building tannin on the finish.
2012 Le Vigne Ame de la Vigna
45% Petite Sirah, 30% Syrah, 25% Grenache
This co-fermented Rhône blend exhibits great
ripeness of fruit with vanilla, nutmeg, and crème brulée.
2011 Lone Madrone Barfandel
53% Zinfandel, 30% Barbera, 17% Petite Sirah
A playful name derived from Barbera and Zinfandel,
but the wine is serious: aged 18 months in oak.
2012 ONX Praetorian
55% Tempranillo, 22% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre,
8% Malbec, 1% Alicante Bouschet
This Tempranillo-based blend is described as a
Japanese puzzle box for the nose, mouth, mind, and soul.
2009 Per Cazo Cellars Epigram
65% Tempranillo, 25% Touriga Nacional, 10% Souzão
This elegant Portuguese blend, aptly named Epigram,
is skillfully crafted to get right to the point.
Poalillo Vineyards NV Zinful Encounter
75% Zinfandel, 20% Merlot, 5% Zinfandel Port
This amazing wine is a work of art from its beautiful
label to its unique composition, which includes Port.
2012 Rangeland Wines Mistletoe
51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Syrah,
19% Merlot, 7% Mourvèdre
First bottled at Christmastime, this wine
crosses boundaries to deliver a fun, stylish blend.
2013 Robert Hall Cuvée de Robles
38% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 21% Cinsault,
17% Petite Sirah
Round, bold, and food friendly, this wine bursts
with fruit and spice that gets a lot of attention.
Sextant NV Genoa XIV
75% Petite Sirah/Syrah, Zinfandel blend,
23% Petite Sirah/Genoa XIII blend, 2% Petite Sirah
A selection of softer aged wines blended with
younger, fresh ones created this masterful mélange.
2012 Thacher Resident Alien
50% Tannat, 29% Petite Sirah, 14% Syrah, 7% Grenache
Primarily made of Tannat and Petite Sirah,
this weighty blend is delightfully delicate in the nose.
2013 Vina Robles WHITE4
46% Viognier, 19% Verdelho, 19% Vermentino,
16% Sauvignon Blanc
This unconventional blend proves the power of
four varieties that are very unique to Paso Robles.
2012 Vines on the Marycrest My Generation
49% Zinfandel, 33% Syrah, 9% Mourvèdre, 9% Petite Sirah
Complex, ripe, and focused, this blend finishes with a
gentle tannic grip and sweet dark fruit.