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 hthomas@newtimesslo.com or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, lo
cally owned hotel known for its friendly staff and lush landscaping. With spacious rooms and a convenient location close to highway 101 and the event center – home of the California Mid-State Fair – this hotel is a great choice for most travelers.
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Majestically set among vineyards, olive groves and fruit baring orchards, the 20-acre Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a world unto itself, offering breathtaking settings that inspire and bring joy to all who choose this memorable wine country haven. Featuring 171 rooms and suites, on-site spa, grand ballroom, wine tasting room, and inspired culinary creations at Cello, the resort’s full service restaurant.
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
La Bellasera Hotel & Suites is an elegant boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Central Coast Wine Country. Influenced by Mediterranean and Italian architecture, the luxurious accommodations reflect the aged sophistication of the Central Coast region and the relaxed nature of the California countryside.
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles is nestled in the Central Coast wine region, home to over 200 wineries, beautiful beaches, mountains and diverse attractions. Relax and revive in a comfortable guest room with all you need for a successful stay. You can count on Hampton to deliver value, consistency and service with a smile. We love having you here®
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at Lekai Ranch. Lounge on the porch of your private suite and lose yourself in the tranquility and stunning views of the vineyards and oak studded hills beyond. This vacation rental is located just minutes from some of the most distinguished wineries and a premier olive oil estate, and only 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles’ restaurants, wineries and shopping.
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Enjoy the elegance, style and natural beauty of California’s Central Coast at the JUST Inn®. Surrounded by vineyards, our JUST Inn Suites offer luxurious appointments like fireplaces, Tempur-Pedic®mattresses, Frette linens, hydro-spa tubs, and range in size from 600–1,200 square feet. An overnight stay includes breakfast and a tour of the winery and caves.
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, also known as PasoStay.com assists guests in creating memories and wonderful experiences by providing quality privately owned vacation home rentals in Paso Robles Wine Country. With over 90 vacation homes to choose from, small enough for a couple’s romantic getaway to large homes amongst local vineyards and olive orchards, PasoStay.com has the perfect option for you. Feel free to call 805-423-9174 to talk with a local expert or book online at PasoStay.com.
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals