Bury your nose in that glass and take a big whiff. Do you smell elegant violet, invigorating orange blossom, or sweetly perfumed, delicate honeysuckle? Spring doesn’t just mean that real life flowers are blooming in Paso Robles Wine Country: Floral wines are growing wild, too! I don’t know about you, but I always prefer a wine bouquet over fresh-cut stems. These bottles are just as flirtatious and will certainly last longer.
1. Lone Madrone 2015 Roussanne
Roussanne is one of the great varietals of the southern Rhone region in France, and it grows incredibly well in temperate Paso Robles. Known for its deep honey character and matching honeysuckle fragrance, this Spring-worthy wine is known to deepen in its complexity over time. Lone Madrone’s Roussanne already shows those delicious “elder” characteristics in its youth—a major plus. This means you can totally drink it now or (if you’re super patient) save for spring/summer 2019.
Mapping and Directions to Lone Madrone
2. Four Lanterns Winery 2016 Sunset Rosé
A rose is a rose is a rosé? Not so. Just look at this blushing pink Syrah rosé, which truly rivals floral petals in your glass. Fresh fruit fabulousness—including a wallop of strawberry—pairs well with creamy cheeses, fresh fruit, and seafood. Yes, you’ll want to buy a whole case before inviting the gals over. This one goes down real smooth.
Mapping and Directions to Four Lanterns Winery
3. JUSTIN 2015 Sunny’s Block Dessert Wine
This glowing, pale straw colored orange muscat dessert wine is about as intoxicating as the first day of Spring. White peach and subtle citrus fruit aromas mingle with sensual orange blossom, playful honeysuckle and soft beeswax. But is it sweet? Well, yes. However, the wine also offers up a clean and complex palate balanced by green apple, ripe orange and acidic lemon. Tip: This bottle is best enjoyed at the JUSTIN Restaurant, where farm fresh flavors accompany every flight. That said, your backyard will also do just fine!
Mapping and Directions to JUSTIN Winery
4. Peachy Canyon Concrete Blanc Viognier
Named ‘Concrete Blanc’ after its oak alternative aging vessel, Peachy Canyon’s refreshing viognier is unique and bright. This aging process lends a clean, mineral driven essence to match the grape’s honeysuckle-laced lushness. Could it be true? Acid and richness don’t have to compete for the spotlight? We say let them shine equally and watch as the sparks fly.
Mapping and Directions to Peachy Canyon
5. Tudor Wines 2009 Tondre Reserve Pinot Noir
Not all flowery wines are white or pink in color. This “luxury pinot noir” is highly perfumed (some might even say flamboyantly so), with lots of Asian spice and pungent herb accents. A whirlwind of green house aromas end in a delightfully smokey finish, made more exciting by a touch of bitter cherry. The 91 point review from Wine Enthusiast might attract newcomers like bee to pollen, but the experienced among us know that all one really has to do is follow your nose.
Mapping and Directions to Tudor Wines
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at [email protected] or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
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