Eberle Winery
2008 Cotes du Robles
Grenache, Mourvedre & Syrah Blend

90 POINTS - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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 from Wine Advocate, 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˚

Tasting Notes  PDF

About The Winery...

In 1973, Gary Eberle began his career in the wine industry by heading his family’s Estrella River Winery (currently Meridian Vineyards in Paso Robles) and produced 500,000 cases a year at its facility. Eberle’s pioneering spirit didn’t stop there. In 1980, he co-founded the Paso Robles Appellation and in 1983, Gary opened the doors to his own Eberle Winery with the premiere of Eberle’s 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Eberle handcrafts 25,000 cases of wine each year from surrounding Estate vineyards. And, after more than 25 years since the release of the Eberle label, the winery consistently remains one of the highest award-winning wineries in the United States.

The German name "Eberle" translates to "small boar." At Eberle Winery, a bronze boar greets every guest who visits the Tasting Room. The statue is the 93rd replica of the original bronze Porcellino cast by Tacca in 1620. And today, the original can be found in the straw market in Florence, Italy. It is considered good luck to rub the boar's nose and toss a coin in the water below. All money collected at the Eberle boar fountain is donated to local children's charities. 

Learn more at www.eberlewinery.com.

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