Tasting Notes 8/31/12

NCWC PASO ROBLES WINE TASTING 8/31/12

OPOLO MOUNTAIN ZINFANDEL 2010
Paso Robles became an AVA in 1983 but has really exploded in the last 10-15 years. One of the varietals it is best known for is Zinfandel. This one is like Paris Hilton; they both have a reputation for being among the most decadent of their type. This vintage of Opolo, though, is more polished than its predecessor, “showing layers of black raspberry and plum with accents of vanilla and caramel. A hint of smoky spice at the finish lifts and balances the richness of the fruit.” 88 points Tobins. $19.97.

L’AVENTURE STEPHAN RIDGE 2010
This blend of 70% Syrah, 20% Cabernet, and 10% Petit Verdot is named after owner/winemaker Stephan Asseo, and it’s done in the classic style that he made famous: rich, powerful fruit backed by a firm structure and genuine depth and character. Here you’ll find aromas and flavors of cherries, strawberries, and raspberries given a lift by persistent tannins. 91 points Bill Tobin. $22.97.

NINER PETITE SIRAH 2007
As is common with this varietal, it in no way lives up to the name “petite.” The aromas might remind you of a dude ranch trail ride, with leather, earth, and spice notes decorating dark fruit. The flavors might then recall the pie and coffee you enjoyed at the end of the ride: ripe blackberry fruit plus clove, nutmeg, sarsaparilla and coffee hints. Altogether delicious. 88 points Tobin Bros. $15.97.

TROUBLEMAKER RED
This Rhone-inspired blend from Austin Hope, whose family is among Paso’s pioneering winemakers, is 55% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, and 5% Petite Sirah. And 100% delish. “Bright aromas of black cherry and licorice evolve into a stronger bouquet reminiscent of smoked meats. The wine shows amazing depth and intensity with a rich and textural mouthfeel. Complete with bright red fruit flavors along with hints of leather and cocoa,” it is a well-balanced wine with a finish as long as those warm, Paso summer nights. 88 points Bill Tobin. $11.97.

BIANCHI ZINFANDEL 2009
I freely admit I am not a big Zin fan. But this is one I can happily drink anytime. It is undeniably “zesty and vibrant, with bright cherry and spicy cinnamon aromas that lead to lively, well-balanced plum and toasty sage flavors.” This should hang in there very nicely for the next five years if you want to cellar it, but why in the world would you want to wait that long? 90 points Wine Spectator. $14.97.

MINASSIAN-YOUNG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007
Minassian-Young is another Paso winery that might rival Ms. Hilton’s degree of indulgent decadence. This Cab, which is rounded out with 25% Mourvedre, is certainly no wallflower. Very ripe flavors include cherry, boysenberry, mocha, and spice. $15.97.

JUSTIN ISOSCELES 2009
This vintage of Isosceles is 94% Cab, with a dash each of Cabernet Franc and Merlot to round it out. It’s “full bodied, delivering lush currants and cherry layered with licorice and vanilla spice with chocolate, roasted coffee, and tobacco. The finish is extremely long and complex, showing firm plush tannins that bring everything together, making it easy to drink it now, but implying a great future.” 95 points Anthony Dias Blue. $52.97.