Gold Medal - 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
We have written many times in the past about the Paso Robles region of California’s Central Coast, and the area seems to be getting more and more press every year (including a wine from Paso being awarded Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year for 2010), but today’s wine offers a chance to get a little bit more specific. While Paso offers many values from the fertile land to the east, it is rolling hills and rocky soils of the western part of the appellation that produce the profound wines for which this region is developing a reputation. Today’s Heist is an intriguing wine grown in the far Southwest corner of the appellation from Hearthstone Vineyards.
The 2007 Hearthstone “Profundo” is a Super-Tuscan style blend featuring 53% Sangiovese, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cab Franc and 9 % Syrah, all sourced from Hearthstone’s 40 acre estate vineyard. Medium garnet in color, the nose shows spicy berry, cherry and vanilla notes. The palate is fresh and lively, with a mix of berry and, for lack of a better term, grape flavors that are hard to put your finger on. With firm but elegant tannin and remarkable layering of flavor that carries through on the finish, this is a wine that defies easy categorization, but is sure to delight those who enjoy rich red wine with a great deal of complexity. Although this is drinking well now, with a few more years in the cellar this blend should come into its own even further.
The Growing Season:
The 2007 growing season began with a cold, dry winter. The below normal rainfall and dry spring led to early bud break. In spring, the soils were depleted of their water, naturally reducing yields by 30%. Additionally, the berries were small, creating a greater skin to juice ratio, developing intense varietal flavors with rich tannins. In late September a drop in temperature delayed harvest, increasing hang time allowing fruit to come to the perfect flavor maturity. Overall, while yields were light, the 2007 vintage produced well-balanced, high quality wines.
Food Pairings:
This New World Super Tuscan wine will pair with tomato based foods, braised chicken or rabbit, accompanied with grilled veggie side dishes, such as zucchini and mushrooms.
Blend: 53% Sangiovese, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 9% Syrah
Origin: Paso Robles
Alcohol: 14.7%
Acidity: 6.1 g/L
pH: 3.59
Residual Sugar: .2 dry
Released: October 2010
Production: 322
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.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
