Just to be clear, the wines are not actually green in color.  (If you are served wine with a greenish hue, you may not want to drink it.) However, Hearst Ranch, Robert Hall, and Pomar Junction all participate in the Sustainability-in-Practice Program or SIP for short.  The SIP logo that these wineries proudly display on their labels certifies that the wines were produced in a manner friendly to both people and vineyards alike.  So for wine lovers who wish to keep with the holiday’s theme, it’s not hard to be “green.”

 

Hearst Ranch 2010 “Babicora” Malbec

Grape(s): 81% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 25-30

Review:

Aromas of blueberries, black cherries, and raspberry jam combine with suggestions of herbs and earth on the nose. Flavors of blackberry and cherry with accents of sweet spice, earth, and floral notes unfold on the palate.  A fairly mellow Malbec, fans of smooth reds with a dark fruit character and slightly earthy accent will enjoy this bottle very much.

Rating: 90

Hearst Ranch 2011 “Glacier Ridge” Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Monterey County

Price: 15-20

Review:

A bouquet of tropical fruit, vanilla, and sweet spice greets the senses.  A sip unfurls flavors of pineapple, mango, and passion fruit with accents of vanilla. A friendly white, with a welcoming acidity and smooth mouthfeel, fans of approachable Chardonnays will enjoy this wine.

Rating: 89

 

Hearst Ranch 2009 “Three Sisters” Cuvee

Grape(s): 50% Syrah, 35% Grenache, and 15% Mourvèdre

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 15-20

Review:

Cherry, plum, and strawberry mingle notes of smoked meat, spice, and vanilla on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of black cherries, plums, and strawberries are accented by highlights of leather and pepper.  A hearty red that fans of robust Rhone-style blends will enjoy very much.

Rating: 90

 

Robert Hall 2011 Rhone de Robles

Grape(s): 34% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 21% Cinsaut, 20% Counoise

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 15-20

Review:

Aromatics of cherries, raspberries, and blackberries meld with suggestions of spice, leather, and minerals on the nose.  A sip reveals flavors of cherry and blackberry accented by notes of pepper, game, earth.  A lighter wine with hearty flavors, fans of smooth reds with a bit of pizazz will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 89

Robert Hall 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 15-20

Review:

A bouquet of citrus fruit and green apple greets the senses. Flavors of apple, lemon, and lime are accented by hints of minerals on the palate. A crisp, lively white that’s ideal for sipping on a warm spring afternoon, fans of fresh acidity and a supple minerals character will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 88

Pomar Junction 2010 Fiesta Blend

Grapes: 53% Syrah, 33% Zinfandel, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon,7% Merlot

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 25-30

Review:

Strawberries, plums, and cherries come together with notes of white pepper on the nose. Flavors of strawberry, cherry, and blackberry are accented by floral and spicy suggestions on the palate.  A wine with welcoming fruit and a nice bit of spice, fans of lighter, slightly spicy reds should try this bottle.

Rating: 89

Pomar Junction 2010 Train Wreck

Grapes: 28% Zinfandel, 28% Petite Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah, and 2% Mourvedre

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 45-50

Review:

A bouquet of cherries, plum, and currants rises up from a glass. The palate offers flavors of blackberry, cherry, and currant with accents of anise.  An easy-going blend with smooth tannins, fans of soft, approachable reds will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 89

Pomar Junction 2010 Late Harvest Viognier

Grapes: 100% Viognier

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 80-85

Review:

Aromatics of honey dew, peach, and apricot meld with notes of almonds and honey on the nose. Flavors of peach and apricot combine with suggestions of caramel and almond. Paste on the palate. A lush and semi-sweet, fans supple dessert wines will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 90