DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 2009
CHAIRMAN'S AWARD/
UNANIMOUS GOLD: Riverside International Wine Competition, 2010
GOLD MEDAL: California State Fair, 2009
GOLD MEDAL: Long Beach Grand Cru, 2009
GOLD MEDAL: Sommelier Challenge, 2009
GOLD MEDAL: Monterey Wine Competition, 2010
13 MOST EXCITING CALIFORNIA ZINS: Wine Spectator, 2009
Gary Eberle was among the winegrowers who helped found the AVA in the early 1980s. While grapes had been grown in this area much longer than that, it was pioneers like Eberle that first saw the potential for premium wine in this region, and began farming it accordingly. The result has been slow but steady recognition of the Paso Robles area as a world-class growing region, especially for full-bodied red wines, and best of all, an area capable of delivering high quality wines at reasonable prices. Today’s heist, featuring a Zinfandel from Eberle at just $19 is a great example of this incredible quality to price ratio.
The 2007 Eberle Zinfandel, sourced 50/50 from the Steinbeck and Wine-Bush vineyards is dark garnet in color. The nose shows classic Zinfandel berry notes, with vanilla and black cherry. The palate is loaded with ripe blueberry, blackberry jam, and vanilla, with an unusual note I can only describe as graham cracker piecrust. Good acidity keeps this ripe, medium bodied wine in balance, and there is a lovely mix of fruit flavors that gives this wine depth. With temperatures rising, its time to stock up on BBQ wines, and at an incredible $19, this one fits the bill. Stock up on this one and enjoy it all summer!
Variety: Zinfandel
Appellation: Paso Robles
Vineyards: 50% Steinbeck Vineyard, 50% Wine Bush
Alcohol: 15.9%
Acidity: 0.65
pH: 3.71
Residual Sugar: <0.10%
Brix At Harvest: 25.5˚
Date Bottled: 12/02/08
Cases Produced: 2881
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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