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
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
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