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?
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.
Inky, plush, and cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
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.
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.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
94 Points
Aromas of cocoa mingle with notes of cassis, black cherry, blackberry coulis, graphite, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cedar. The palate is harmonious as the richness of barrel spice melds seamlessly with juicy plum, blackberry and licorice flavors. An incredibly polished texture, even at a young age. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
94 Points
Golden lemon core with a silvery rim, it's full-bodied, plush on the tongue, and delivers phenomenal purity of fruit on the front and mid-palate. Notes of baked lemon pie, Bartlett pear, lemony herbs, and crushed wet rock are everpresent, with balanced acidity and a dried thyme aspect hitting the lengthy finish.
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.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
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