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
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