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
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.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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