At Croma Vera, they specialize in Spanish grape varieties (like Tempanillo) and view shaping their wines as a work of art.  You see, co-founder Mindy Oliver was an illustrator and graphic designer prior to her venture into wine and some of that creativity has carried over. Hence the name, Croma Vera, which is Latin for True Colors.

Croma Vera 2015 Revelacion Blend

Grape(s): 56% Tempanillo, 18% Grenache, 18% Cabernet, & 8% Petite Sirah

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 35-40

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of raspberries, cherries, and plums combine with elements of pepper, thyme, and cocoa on the nose. Lots of cherry, strawberry, and plum flavors emerge on the palate, moving into suggestions of fresh herbs, white pepper, and very dark chocolate. Balanced tannins and flavors make this a wine to match up with beef and chicken kabobs. 125 cases produced.

Rating: 90

Croma Vera 2015 “Joven” Tempanillo

Grape(s): 94% Tempanillo & 6% Petite Sirah

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

There’s blackberries and raspberries playing with earthy and spicy elements on the nose. That bramble fruit returns on the palate, accented by allusions of white pepper, leather, and earth. It’s a lighter-style wine in terms of body, but it offers fairly bold flavors. Could work nicely with shredded chicken tacos. 155 cases were made.

Rating: 89

Croma Vera 2015 Grenache

Grape(s): 100% Grenache

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 40-45

Tasting Notes:

A melange of cherries, strawberries, and plums weaves in a few spicy notes on the nose. Lots of ripe red berries form a fruit core that floats into suggestions of spice and minerals on the palate. Offering plush tannins and lush fruit, it’s a very nice wine. 100 cases produced.

Rating: 91

 

Croma Vera 2015 Rose

Grape(s): 100% Tempanillo

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

Red berries, peaches, and a candied citrus note come together on the nose. The palate presents with bright strawberry, peach, and citrus peal. Light with a pleasant acidity, it’s an approachable Rose. 146 cases were made.

Rating: 88