Insiders know that Paso Robles has a hot east side and a cooler west side. This lovely Pinot comes from the latter, specifically the Templeton Gap, where Pacific breezes find their way through the mountain passes. The wine is light-bodied and delicious, offering waves of cherries, raspberries, licorice, cola and smoky vanilla, wrapped in a silky texture that…
— S.H.
(6/1/2008)
What a great improvement the ’06 is over the ’05. It’s considerably lower in alcohol, and much more balanced and crisp. Yet the flavors are ripe and seductive, in peaches, pears, papayas, honeysuckle flowers and oak-influenced butter, honey and vanilla. Great with Thai food.
— S.H.
(6/1/2008)
Shows classic Muscat flavors of oranges and tangerines, with a wildflowery taste suggesting buttercups and honeysuckles. This unoaked wine is basically dry, maybe tending toward off-dry. It has a touch of sweet honey, balanced with crisp acidity, and is very enjoyable by itself.
— S.H.
(4/1/2008)
If you don’t like high alcohol wines, go elsewhere. This Zin is almost Porty, but it’s perfectly dry, with a rich elaboration of tannins and berry and tobacco flavors. It’s heady, and will stand up to robust barbecue.
— S.H.
(12/15/2008)
Sweet and simple, with ultrafruity flavors of pineapples, peaches, honeysuckle, vanilla and spices. Good acidity makes the finish clean and brisk.
— S.H.
(4/1/2009)
Softly sweet and a bit heavy, with pastry-filling flavors of cherries, black raspberries, oatmeal raisin cookies and licorice. Drink now.
— S.H.
(9/1/2009)
Feels a bit hot and sweet for a Pinot, although there are some pretty blackberry, cherry, cola and spice flavors. It may come from a cool part of Paso, but this Central Coast appellation is just too hot for Pinot.
— S.H.
(2/1/2007)
Nice everyday Zin for its upfront fruit and rich tannins. Floods the mouth with blackberries, chocolate and spicy flavors that are as ripe as pie filling, but the wine stays dry.
— S.H.
(2/1/2007)