You’re probably not ready for a big, rich merlot and a crackling fire, but—if you’re anything like us—you’ve got red wine on the brain. With fall approaching and the first chill of autumn, you’ll want to reach for Paso Robles’ bold Bordeaux blends, red Rhône royalty, and luxurious Italian silk. These six reds are sure to help you transition seamlessly into fall’s embrace. Now if only your wardrobe transition could be this easy…
1. 2015 Tooth and Nail The Possessor
A beautiful full-bodied Cabernet blend to gear up for fall. Red currants, cassis and red fruit dominate the nose while nuances of Christmas spice, pine and dried fall leaves add to the intriguing aromatics. The layered palate offers great weight and density with ripe flavors of black berries and plums. The surprisingly bright acidity and mouthwatering texture weaves into a firm finish with lingering tannins.
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Mapping and Directions to Tooth and Nail Winery
2. Barr Estate Winery 2012 Malbec
Spicy, dense Boysenberry jam aromas are complemented with shades of anise and leather. The feel in the mouth is full-bodied with chewy, plush tannins. Pair with turtle soup, lamb shanks, barbecued shrimp, Thai chicken, and chili.
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Mapping and Directions to Barr Estate Winery
3. 2016 Chronic Cellars Suite Petite
You know what you’re getting with this sassy lady: lots of Petite Sirah with all its sweet cherry, blackberry, blueberry loveliness. But it’s the lingering tannins and traces of fresh cracked pepper and cigar spice that’ll have you thinking about her long after she’s gone.
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Mapping and Directions to Chronic Cellars
4. JUSTIN 2016 Focus
For years, JUSTIN has been known for producing iconic Bordeaux-styled wines. Not to be typecast, the winery conceived Focus, a handcrafted, limited production wine that expresses the now world famous potential of Paso Robles to produce the highest quality New World Syrah. Try it now and taste the “New World” for yourself.
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Mapping and Directions to JUSTIN Winery
5. Mystic Hills Vineyard Gran Trio 2013
With dark cherry and plum right from the start, this fall approved wine is followed by earthiness and mushroom. A touch of ginger and caramel help to finish off the cedar on the nose. Cherry, plum and vanilla, which appear on the tongue, help to balance out the white pepper and hint of coconut and spice. A good, polished tannins complete a well-balanced wine.
6. Harmony Cellars 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
This ‘Classic Cabernet’ offers intense aromas of cherry and licorice complemented by notes of warm, toasty oak. The palate is flooded with flavors of cherry, cassis and cola. The medium rich body, velvety tannins and well balanced acidity lead to a long, savory finish. Pair with steak, hearty stews, portabella mushrooms.
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Mapping and Directions to Harmony Cellars
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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