More concentrated than the winery’s regular release, this polished version gets right to the point. It shines bright with focused tropical fruit flavors underlaid with tart citric acids. The lees and oak are laid on thick, but are in balance with the fruit. It’s a fancy wine, but hard to find, with only 550 cases produced. —S.H.
— S.H.
(9/1/2002)
The vineyard is an old one with a proud name, and the winemaker does it justice in crafting this dry, balanced wine. It’s Zin all the way, with wild berry, cocoa and spice flavors and rich tannins that contribute to the lush, soft mouthfeel. Earns extra points for the sheer exuberance of its varietal personality.
— S.H.
(6/1/2006)
Someone is bound to describe this as “Burgundian” because it has a dry, mealy, nutty aroma and feels very smooth and rich. There’s also something earthy and barnyardy, in a positive way. —S.H.
— S.H.
(9/1/2002)
This Paso Robles-based winery has reached into cool-climate Edna Valley for their Chardonnay, with good results. The wine has good acidity and is dry and minerally, with citrus fruit flavors. Try with cracked crab and a well-buttered sourdough baguette.
— S.H.
(6/1/2006)
Martin & Weyrich, which is based in Paso Robles, has released three consecutive vintages of this red Napa Valley blend, which is comprised of multiple Spanish and Portuguese varieties. This is the best of the trio, rich and dense, filled with extracted berry flavors and sweet tobacco. It’s an interesting, complex wine. Try as an alternative to Cab or Zin.
— S.H.
(5/1/2006)
Hard on the heels of the winery’s excellent 2002 comes this wine, very much in the same ripe, smooth mold. It’s fresher and more youthful in tannins, but has the same blackberry, cassis, cherry and mocha flavors.
— S.H.
(5/1/2006)
From the cooler western side of Paso Robles called the Templeton Gap. Has rich and subtle aromas of white peach, tangerine, and smoky oak. A nice crisp, spicy bite balances out the ripe, tasty fruit. Best Buy.
— S.H.
(5/1/2000)
Opening with a nose of butterscotch, apple and pear aromas, this wine offers a mouth full of clean and zesty pineapple fruit on a medium-weight frame. Attractive use of oak marks the buttery finish.
— W.E.
(6/1/2000)