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
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.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
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.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
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.
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