Gems in My Glass . . . June 2014
The 2014 Central Coast Wine Competition highlighted a plethora of well crafted wines, from bubbles to aromatic whites (including Grenache Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Roussanne/Grenache Blanc/Viognier blend), to sassy Rose blends to stately reds (including Syrah, Counoise, Cabernet and red blends). The following were among my favorites:Laetitia Vineyard & Winery 2011 Brut Rose; Arroyo Grande Valley, California: This lively Brut Rose captures the eye with its brilliant hue and steady stream of tiny bubbles begging you to dive into the glass. Tantalizing aromas of juicy strawberries and a touch of fresh baked bread please the nose. Luminous upon entry with a dollop of citrus and subtle yeast notes accenting the fresh raspberry and strawberry fruit dancing on the palate. A gloriously balanced and refreshing sparkling wine. SRP: $30 www.laetitiawine.comHalter Ranch 2011 Syrah; Paso Robles, California: Here is a deep, black fruit driven Syrah showcasing enticing blackberry and plum aromas. On the palate the dark, concentrated fruit converges with meaty notes, hints of licorice and brown baking spices. Eighteen months aging in 30% new French oak barrels contributes beautifully integrated oak notes and the finish is long and delectable. SRP: $32 www.halterranch.comPomar Junction Vineyard & Winery 2013 Cotes de Pomar Blanc; Paso Robles, California: Aged in neutral oak, this well balanced blend of 40% Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier displays gorgeous aromas of stone fruit, citrus blossom and guava. Flavors of juicy peach, white nectarine, guava juice, apricot preserves and a squeeze of lemon richly coat the palate and the mouth feel is silky smooth. Fresh and bright, the lively acidity persists from start to finish. SRP: $34 www.pomarjunction.comBushong 2013 Pretty in Pink; Paso Robles, California: This brilliantly hued rose is a blend of Tempranillo and Grenache. The provocative citrus scented berry aroma arouses the senses and leads to a lively palate full of raspberry, strawberry, melon, tangelo and pink grapefruit flavors melding in harmony. A thirst quenching wine with a nice acidic backbone pulling the package together beautifully. SRP: $23 www.graveyardvineyards.comMichael Gill Cellars 2013 Counoise; Paso Robles, California: This spicy, true to varietal character Counoise (a dark skinned grape widely grown in the Rhone region of France) dazzles with its soft magenta hue and alluring spice infused fruit aromas, and that's just the beginning. Expanding on the palate with good depth, balance and concentration are layers of cherry, fresh raspberry, red licorice and a sprinkling of black pepper spice wrapped around soft, smooth tannins; nicely crafted. SRP: $40 www.gillcellars.comEberle Winery 2012 Steinbeck Vineyard Syrah; Paso Robles, California: A deep, dark wine that displays a lovely sense of both new world and old world Syrah characteristics. Enticing earthy, black fruit aromas make way for scrumptious flavors of blackberry, wild berry, cassis, a hint of meatiness and savory spice. It is intensely structured with well integrated oak nuances weaving through the palate, and the finish is lip smackingly delicious. SRP: $26 www.eberlewinery.comClaiborne & Churchill Vintners 2013 Dry Gewurztraminer; Monterey County, California: Wildly expressive scents of citrus and jasmine engage the senses fully with this energetic Gewurztraminer. On the palate, dazzling acidity balances perfectly with succulent white nectarine, guava and hints of mandarin orange while a pretty dash of spice permeates throughout. Finishes bright with an upbeat lift. SRP: $22 www.claibornechurchill.comSummerWood Winery 2013 Grenache Blanc; Paso Robles, California: Richly fruited and lush yet full of brightness with its pulsating acidity, this Grenache Blanc is vibrant, well balanced and full of flavor. The juicy stone fruit and delightfully tart white raspberry expand on the palate with a thread of minerality and racy acidity and the finish is vivacious. A tantalizing, food friendly wine for all seasons. SRP: $25 www.summerwoodwine.comRangeland Wines 2012 Mistletoe Blend; Paso Robles, California: Here is an impressively crafted blend of 51% Cab Sauvignon, 23% Syrah, 19% Merlot and 7% Mourvedre that captures the depth and serious elements of Cabernet coming from this region along with plush black fruit that Paso Robles Syrah often showcases. This wine saturates the palate with blackberry, black currant and plum fruit laced with a generous dose of spice and framed by well structured tannins. SRP: $25 www.rangelandwines.comDaou Vineyards & Winery 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; Paso Robles, California: Dark fruits and exotic spice captivate the senses with this full bodied wine. I've long believed this region is well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, and here is a stunning example supporting that notion. Chock full of blackberry, cassis and black cherry fruit with highlights of tobacco spice, graphite and precisely integrated oak, it is complex and well structured through the lingering finish. SRP: $56 www.daouvineyards.comSummertime is a lovely season to stroll the thriving vineyards and meet the talented personalities throughout the Central Coast wine region, and there are wonderful venues for tasty cuisine there too. Why not seek out your favorite gems?
