WHEN WE THINK of classic California wine regions, our minds immediately drift to Northern California. But wine lovers should think beyond Napa and Sonoma.
Indeed, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is an area producing some of the most beautiful and distinctive wines in America: Paso Robles.
With more than 30,000 acres of premium wine grapes, Paso Robles is along California’s Central Coast. It’s only about a 45-minute drive to Highway 1, which follows the stunning California coast either to San Simeon and Hearst Castle to the north or Pismo Beach to the south.
Three Paso reds to try
Eberle Winery 2013 zinfandel, Paso Robles, $28: This full-bodied, rich, red zin is loaded with flavors of ripe raspberry, red plum and Rainier cherry. It’s all backed by velvety tannins and bright acidity.
Clayhouse Wines 2012 Red Cedar Vineyard Show Pony petite sirah, Paso Robles, $40: One secret to a delicious petite sirah is balancing muscular tannins that don’t overwhelm the fruit, and this example does that perfectly. Aromas of chocolate-covered cherry leads to penetrating flavors of boysenberry and molasses.
Halter Ranch Vineyard 2012 syrah, Paso Robles, $35: Intriguing aromas of sweet oak spice, dusty cherry and moist earthiness give way to smooth flavors of ripe, dark fruit and dark chocolate. It’s all backed by firm acidity and balanced tannins.
This is a warm region, home to such varieties as cabernet sauvignon, syrah and petite sirah. Perhaps its most famous variety is zinfandel, at least that is what the good folks of Paso will tell you…
Click Here to read the whole article from the Seattle Times >>
