With temperatures finally hitting summer highs in Northern California, our thoughts at WineHeist have naturally turned toward white wine. While we see a fair amount of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, we are always on the lookout for something a little different. Today’s offering certainly fits that bill, as we bring a Paso Robles wine blended from white grapes of the Rhone Valley, produced by one of the true pioneers of the Paso area. Eberle Winery had its first vintage in 1979, but owner/winemaker Gary Eberle’s involvement in Paso winemaking stretches back even further. While Paso Robles still has a long way to go to establish itself as a source for white wine, the potential is clearly there for interesting, fuller bodied wines at great prices.
Bright gold in color, this inaugural vintage of Cotes du Robles Blanc, a blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier, shows a classic Rhone nose of peach, cherry blossom, lemon and fresh-cut flowers. The palate is medium-bodied, with refreshing acidity, apple and peach flavors, and an earthy floral note that certainly sets this apart from white wines made from more widely planted varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is unique and interesting due to its unique varietal composition, and at this price it represents a great summer wine for afternoon sipping, or as an accompaniment to grilled shrimp, fish, or lobster. At just 13.5% alcohol, it can gracefully pair with lighter foods, and isn’t too heavy for hot weather. Stock up for July and August!
Variety: 49% Roussanne, 33% Grenache, 18% Viognier
Appellation: Paso Robles
Vineyard: Steinbeck Vineyard, Robert Hall Vineyard
Alcohol: 13.5%
Acidity: 0.68
pH: 3.58
Brix at Harvest: 24.6˚
Date Harvested: 09.02.08
95 Points
Aromas of wild berries, black fig and ripe dark fruits are intertwined with hints of fresh mountain herbs, mineral, leather, savory spices, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, red currants and cassis are layered with notes of wild sage, dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon, clove, and a kiss of oak.
94 Points
Opens up with an aromatic burst of black cherry jam, wild huckleberry, and a hint of crushed espresso bean. On the palate, the fruit is lush and primary, but it's the secondary notes—toasted nutmeg, dark chocolate truffle, and the signature 'Dry Creek Dust'—that provide a long, savory finish.
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