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?
Legendary Sangiacomo Robert's Road Vineyard
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.
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.
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.
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