2013 Adelaida Tribe ($55) During a recent visit to Adelaida Cellars in Paso Robles, we had finished with the 'standard' tasting when our tasting room hostess reached down behind the counter and pulled out this bottle saying "I think you're going
2011 Laetitia Winery Nadia Cabernet Sauvignon ($35) Every time I've driven up California's 101, near Pismo Beach, I've noticed the vineyards of Laetitia Winery right along the highway. But, always heading somewhere, I've never stopped at the wine
2012 Eberle Zinfandel ($25) Gary Eberle is " The Paso Robles Pioneer " and for good reason.  Eberle continues to produce excellent wines and this Zinfandel is just another example.  Sourced from three vineyards, he describes this one as
2013 Mazzocco Alexander Valley Chardonnay ($18) Sonoma's Alexander Valley turns out a bunch of great wines and this is a fine example. Mazzocco is known for its Zinfandel, but when I saw this Chardonnay I knew it would be good. This one has nice
2012 Seghesio Rockpile Zinfandel ($38) This Zinfandel from Seghesio Family Vineyards in Healdsburg is an excellent one.  Coming from the Rockpile AVA which is located 1200 feet above Sonoma's Dry Creek, this wine has intense fruit flavors of
2012 Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Zinfandel ($18) Another great one from Coppola. This Zin is part of the winery's "Director’s Cut" wines which are limited production, appellation-designate wines from Sonoma. Named after the version of a f
2013 Earthquake Lodi Zinfandel ($21) I've always enjoyed Zinfandel and know that Lodi is producing a bunch of good ones. But, this one was an unexpected delight. Nice big fruit flavors and a healthy dose of oak result in a terrific Zinfandel with
2013 Balletto Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($31) Typically, a Pinot Noir is a light-bodied wine, especially one from the Russian River. But this Balletto Pinot Noir is much more of a medium-bodied wine with bigger, richer fruit flavors more co
2012 Niner Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon ($28) One doesn't typically think of Paso Robles when first considering a Cabernet Sauvignon. But, you definitely need to. This is an outstanding Cab with super fruit, moderate tannins and a wonderfully s
2012 Hook & Ladder Russian River Zinfandel ($23) Hook & Ladder is a Russian River favorite turning out dependable good wines.  This Zinfandel is no exception. Nice fruit and finish that goes with wide variety of foods. With a fun tas
2015 Pessimist Red Blend by Daou Vineyards ($17) This is one of those labels that I've seen many times but past by. It wasn't until someone mentioned it was from Daou that I took note.  This is a blend of 52% Syrah, 26% Zinfandel, 18% Petite
2013 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon ($50) While still a young Cab, this one from Daou in Paso Robles is a "Wow!"  Daou is making some great wines. Their "regular" Cabernet Sauvignon is terrific at $20, but this well beyond and is an exceptional win
2015 Hess Collection Allomi Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ($32) At this point, one would assume that a 2015 Napa Cab is a bit too young to be ready. And, while that may be so, this Cab is already terrific. It is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Pe
2014 Hess Collection Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon ($65) Wow! Napa turns out great Cabs, and this is one of them. The blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec and 3% Petite Verdot yields a bold yet somehow delicate collection of dark fruit f
2016 J. Lohr Gesture Viognier ($30) Picked this one up during my recent visit to J. Lohr in Paso Robles. This Viognier is amazing. It has great fresh flavors and nice acidity while still being subtle and not over-powering. The grapes are sourced
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