90 POINTS
For various reasons, wines made in California (or elsewhere in America, for that matter) tend to be labeled by grape variety. While this has generally been a good thing for wine drinkers, making it easier to know what will be in the bottle, it has had the unfortunate side-effect of making wines blended from multiple varieties harder to sell, which obviously leads to fewer being produced. Some varieties, reds especially, just seem to do better in a blend, and Rhone grapes tend to fall into that category. While there are plenty of good Syrah, and many a good Grenache, the two really shine when they are blended, especially with a little Mourvedre thrown into the mix. While the great wines of France’s Southern Rhone often have even more varieties blended in, these three are the workhorses. Today’s offering is a California take on this classic blend, and is simply delicious.
The 2008 Eberle Cotes du Robles is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, in roughly equal parts. It is dark garnet in color, with a nose the seems almost like a blend of Old and New World styles—aromas of dried cranberry, cherry, and blackberry are joined by anise, potpourri, and vanilla. The palate shows more cherry and berry, with dusty tannins and a finish that somehow combines savory notes and vanilla seamlessly. Beautifully balanced and effortlessly walking the line between New and Old World, this beautiful wine got 90 points, and it is easy to see why. Try it with grilled meat, or even before a meal with hard cheeses.
Variety: 35% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, 31% Syrah
Appellation: Paso Robles
Vineyards: Shimmin Canyon (Grenache) Kokopelli Vineyard (Mourvedre) Grant Vineyard (Syrah)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Acidity: 0.63
Brix At Harvest: 25?
You may also like:
92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
New Release
A ferociously fun Napa Valley blend with depth, balance and big flavor. Aromas of red currant, fresh strawberries, black plum, vanilla, and notes of cocoa on the nose. The palate is bursting with fruit ranging from cherries, mixed berry compote, toasted hazelnut and more. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
PDF