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Viognier is a grape variety most famous for Condrieu wines in the Rhone Valley region of France. It has, however, emerged as a favourite in new world areas in Australia and California. The origins are obscure with the suggestion that it originated in Croatia (known as Dalmatia earlier) and was brought to the Rhone region by the Romans. It is an interesting variety in that it requires warmth to ripen optimally as it ripens slowly but too much heat (without proper canopy management) can result in high sugar levels (and consequent high alcohol) without enough supporting flavour. Our Estate Viognier was planted in the 1990’s and Block 1B-S is 10.90 acres and utilizes 12’ x 7’ spacings utilizing an older type quadrilateral trellis system. California can be tough on crops and Block 1B-S is coming to the end of its time. We are, however, developing a new block on fresh soil on the same property with a higher elevation and more beneficial aspect. The 2020 Viognier was harvested at 24.4 Brix and, as is the case with all our whites, underwent and cool extended ferment. Typically California Viognier is rich but soft, almost projecting an oily texture. Our reductive handling and colder approach maintains many subtle characters that warmer ferments disperse during the process. Hints of green melon, freshly ground coconut and green apple accompany the more typical ripe apricot characters. Due to its susceptibility to oxygen, our approach results in a wine that retains freshness while still showing complexity and length of flavour. This is a wine for all seasons. Download Tasting Notes -
It is considered that Vermentino found its origins in Italy, confirmed recently by DNA Typing. It is prevalent in the region of Liguria but has gained much prominence on the island of Sardinia and, more recently, Tuscany. Vermentino has started to emerge in new world producers from Australia and California. The variety’s ability to adapt to a range of climates has great appeal and it certainly has found a home in the Paso Robles region. Our Estate Vermentino Block 3F was planted in 2012 and the 5.02 acres has 10’ x 5’ spacings and utilizes a simple vertical shoot positioning (VSP) canopy. The variety enjoys the warmth of the region and typically ripens early, usually producing wines around 13 – 13.5% alcohol. The 2020 Vermentino was harvested at 24.1 Brix and underwent an extended ferment at a controlled, quite low temperature of 60°F. The cooler ferment guarantees the retention of the more subtle aromas and flavours that are typically absent in warmer conditions in the cellar. This wine has exhibited the greatest depth and complexity so far and it’s amazing texture shows how versatile the variety can be. The wine is produced using reductive techniques, employing the only totally inert gas membrane press in the USA at the time. Oak is not used to ensure freshness is maintained and the fruit harmony is not disrupted. The release of this wine has been met with great acclaim, including a 93 point (and Editor’s Choice) rating in Wine Enthusiast. A great drink on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with many types of food. For those who enjoy sardines, this is a real surprise. Download Tasting Notes -
Our Albariño vines are over 20 years old and grow on a quad trellising system that can be susceptible to sunburn. With this in mind, the harvest date needs to be very specific; if not, the grapes can either have little flavor or be too soft skinned if the pick date is missed by only a few days. These grapes were in excellent condition when harvested, offering a balance of ripeness and retaining freshness. Our Albariño was our first grape of the season to be harvested early in the morning of September 10, 2019. The brix level was 23 at the time of harvest, with about 3.1 tons per acre. The fruit was pressed right away using our inert press system. This press ensures that little to no oxygen comes into contact with the juice, resulting in a brighter, fresher product. After pressing, the pH came in rather high at 3.70. So an acid addition was made to lower the overall pH. The Albariño finished cold fermentation on October 28, 2019 with a very slow fermentation rate. This is due to the Albariño needing to be racked and fermented very clean, so this wine required lots of settling. The wine was heat stabilized, cold stabilized, and filtered right before bottling in February 2020. The wine presents clear with straw hues, youthful in age with plus acidity. With low acidity, this is a drink-now wine for a warm summer’s day. Download Tasting Notes -
Fully opaque, but filled with violets and deep ruby reds, this 2019 Merlot ferments at 27.0 Brix on skins for 19 days at 64°F. Maturation followed in French and American Hybrid oak barriques for 5 months. The gorgeous color is only a precursor to the delectable smell; hints of coffee and toffee, bitter dark chocolate and spices of nutmeg and vanilla, ending with an aftertaste of black licorice. The mouthfeel is richly textured and tannic, which salivates the mouth. Download Tasting Notes -
Grenache Blanc is a variety that is closely related to Grenache Noir, some believing it is, in fact, a mutation that occurred in Spain and eventually migrated to France. It is best known as a component for many Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Cotes du Rhone wines. In more recent times it has emerged as a stand alone variety and its versatility has resulted a broad array of styles. Our Grenache Blanc Block 2D-N (1.5 acres) was grafted onto original Merlot vines in the late90’s. It is a prolific vine with the potential for quite high yields and it tends to ripen later than some of the reds we harvest like Syrah and Grenache. This can be a bit tricky in the cellar but It’s fruit we are always keen to see. It was harvested on September 24th at 22 Brix and gently pressed and settled before fermentation at 58°F for 33 days. Again, cold fermentation was used to ensure all the delicate components remain with the wine. We do not utilize MLF or any oak with this wine, preferring to harness its unique fruit and textural characteristics. The variety’s texture plays an important role in that it adds eight to the mouthfeel without the expected higher alcohol associated with that complexity. At 12.01% alcohol it is one of those unique varieties that offers fruit ripeness not accompanied by elevated warmth on the palate. Download Tasting Notes -
For our Estate range of wines, we take the best parcels of each variety and individually handle them to allow the true personalities of each block to be preserved. This wine has the benefit of having our most prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon blocks as part of its blend. Blocks 4C and 4D form 33% of this wine. These blocks are normally designated for our Reserve Cabernets but were chosen for our Estate wine this vintage. The fruit was harvested over a period of 16 days commencing in October 2019, with dates depending on clonal and site differences to ensure all components are at their peak. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred to new French oak barriques with tight grain for 17 months on average before blending and preparation for bottling. Download Tasting Notes -
Cabernet Franc is a significant Bordeaux variety that figures prominently in the “right bank” styles of Pomerol and St. Emilion although it is rarely released there on its own. Paso Robles’ climate has the ability to get it ripe on its own and we are confident, and excited, to release this 100% varietal. This crop of Cabernet Franc from our estate vineyards was a much anticipated one. It is a very robust style that retains elegance and finesse. Download Tasting Notes -
The beast has been released! This one hundred percent Tannat does not hold back, and neither should you. A bold, rich varietal that is making a name for itself in California is native to Uruguay; it is the dominant grape grown in the Basque region bordering Spain and France. A deep mulberry color comes from the thick skins of the grape, which also creates a gripping tannin structure on the palate. Mulberry and other dark berry flavors are mirrored in the flavor profile with each sip becoming more intense. This is an unapologetically delicious wine, containing a perceived sweetness and ever giving fruit. Le Bête has a generous structure that pairs impeccably with multiple foods. Staying true to its Basque roots, paella is a rather traditional pairing, especially when the socarrat is perfectly browned. And for an extra bite of luxury, use some of the wine in your favorite barbecue sauce recipe to bring the flavor to the next level... don’t be shy! Download Tasting Notes -
This varietal is native to Italy, predominantly in Campania and Sicily as it prefers a warmer climate. It carries its own DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata Garantita) rating as FianodiAvellino in Campania. This is a fascinating variety that offers some powerful aromatics both through fermenting and in the bottle. The levels of tropical fruit aromas and flavors are extraordinary and with careful canopy management, this varietal loves the climate at our vineyard. Its tropical flavors are supported by honey notes and some spice. The fruit dominates though, on both the nose and the palate. A touch of grip on the finish helps tie the fruit up nicely. Surprisingly there is a hint of oak in the background which again ensures the complexity is focused. Currently the winemaking team’s favorite white, we are excited to see how the wines develop as the vineyard reaches maturity and its full potential. This wine has the weight and presence of a great Chardonnay but has the added depth of much more fruit. Whereby giving it the ability to suit many different occasions and food pairings. This is also a wine that enjoys not so chilled conditions, allowing the fruit to emerge by not serving too cold. Download Tasting Notes -
Relatively unknown as a grape varietal domestically Albarino’s original home is in Rias Baixas in the North-West of Spain. Differing greatly from that of the climate of Paso Robles, Rias Baixas has a cool climate with high rainfall throughout the year and even during the growing season. This forces the early harvest of this varietal in its original home and hence the zesty, vibrant acid driven wine styles from Spain. Although this varietal represents just a small part of our vineyard (1.65ac) the Broken Earth Albarino receives ample attention as it provides the winemaking team a challenge to produce a contemporary take of a classic wine style. Our Albarino is a ‘Californian’ approach where classic characters are complemented by powerful fruit and great length. Download Tasting Notes -
The grapes for this wine were quite ripe and immediately crushed, pressed and sent to be settled. Following cold settling, the clear juice was racked and transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. The pH was adjusted to allow for optimal fermentation conditions and yeast was introduced. The cold fermentation was allowed to soak for 23 days at 52°F. This fermentation allows the wine to retain freshness while maximizing the depth and complexity of barrel maturation. Maturation completed in second and third use French oak barriques for 10 months. This parcel was left on lees until the final blend was decided. Download Tasting Notes -
The Viognier and Syrah fruit were harvested together, destemmed and crushed to fermenters in order to co-ferment rather than be blended later. Untoasted French oak fermentation “rice” was added to assist in color and flavor extraction. The ferment was completed after 14 days. Each fermenter received 2 “pump-overs” each day, a process that circulates fermentation juice over the skins to ensure complete extraction of sugars and anthocyanins. The fermented grapes were pressed off the skins and the wine left to settle. Oak adjuncts, rather than barrels, best enhance the savory-like characteristics of this style. The choice was Suber Laffort “dominoes,” heavy toasted French oak and added from April to July of 2017. This wine has smoky and dark fruit aromas with a gentle low-tannic mouthfeel and a soft finish, highlighting on notes of cherry, coffee, and chocolate. Pair this wine with meats like fried bacon or roast pork with a blackberry glaze. Download Tasting Notes
