PLATINUM MEDAL - Monterey Wine Competition, 2011
GOLD MEDAL / BEST OF CLASS - California State Fair, 2011
GOLD MEDAL - Los Angeles International Wine Competition, 2010
GOLD MEDAL - Orange County Fair, 2010
GOLD MEDAL - Riverside International Wine Competition, 2011
GOLD MEDAL - West Coast Wine Competition, 2011
Wines made from the red grapes of France's Rhone Valley have been making an impact on the California wine scene for some time, with Syrah gaining popularity every year and Grenache starting to show its potential in this region, but the white grapes have only recently started to gain traction. And although they probably won't be eclipsing Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc anytime soon, wines like today’s offering from Eberle in Paso Robles show that there is serious potential for Rhone inspired white wine in California. The Cotes du Robles Blanc is Eberle's nod to the white Cotes du Rhone wines of the Southern Rhone. While these are not seen as frequently as their red counterparts, they offer amazing value for such complex, interesting wines, and this effort from Eberle follows that model perfectly.
The 2009 Eberle Cotes du Robles Blanc, from Paso Robles is a golden, straw color and bursts with aromas of melon and lemon. This wine is only 35% Viognier, however, with the rest Grenache Blanc, and the Grenache Blanc really shows through on the palate, with flavors of apricot, green apple, and hints of strawberry. Medium bodied, with clean, fresh flavors, this is the perfect wine for summer, as it is refreshing when served chilled, yet gains complexity as it warms up in the glass. Serve it as an aperitif, or with chilled shellfish, for the perfect end to a warm summer afternoon, or the perfect beginning to a summer evening. Don’t miss out on the chance to stock up on this bargain!
Variety: 65% Grenache Blanc, 35% Viognier
Appellation: Paso Robles
Vineyard: Steinbeck Vineyard, Robert Hall Vineyard
Alcohol: 13.7%
Acidity: 0.72
pH: 3.03
Brix at Harvest: 24.8˚
Date Harvested: 09.22.09
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.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
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.
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.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
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