At Sextant, they believe in a “hands-off” approach to making wine.  Most important to them is selecting to right terroir for their grapes to grow, and California’s central coast provides a rich and optimal variety.  Thus, they’ve made their wine-making home in Paso Robles and draw from vineyards there and nearby to produce wines of an uncompromising quality.

Sextant 2014 SLH Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Monterey County, Ca

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

Waves of strawberries, plums, and cherries are accented by earthy and floral notes on the nose. That bright red fruit carries through on the palate with some lively suggestions of licorice, spring flowers, and earth backing it up. A friendly acidity and lovely nuance make this an inviting Pinot. Open a bottle with pork tenderloin.

Rating: 90

Sextant 2013 “El Pomar” Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 120-125

Tasting Notes:

A wealth of blackberries, cherries, and currants rises up from a glass weaving in expressions of oak and caramel. The wonderfully lush dark fruit comes through on the palate, wandering into accents of smoky oak, mint, and clove. With enticing fruit and nice depth, filet mignon would make an ideal companion.

Rating: 92

Sextant 2014 “Karmal” Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 6 % Malbec, and 3% Cabernet Franc

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 45-50

Tasting Notes:

Elements of currants and dark berries play with traces of dark chocolate, clove, and herbs on the nose. Smooth and supple on the palate, polished tannins carry flavors of cassis, blackberry, and blueberry into allusions of cedar, fresh herbs, and clove. An elegant, layered, fruit-forward wine, it hits a lot of right notes.

Rating: 91

Sextant 2014 “Holystone” Zinfandel

Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

There’s blackberries, black cherries, and strawberries accented by highlights of clove and cedar on the nose. Lots of dark cherry and strawberry envelop the palate, alongside hints of herbs, clove, and smoky oak. Nice fruit and structure endear this wine to a juicy cheeseburger from the grill.

Rating: 90

Sextant 2014 “Wheelhouse” Zinfandel

Grape(s): 76% Zinfandel 15% Petite Sirah and 9% Syrah

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

Lovely red fruit combines with herbaceous and earthy indications on the nose. Supple flavors of strawberry, cherry, and raspberry form a nice core that brings in a few undertones of herbs, minerals, and vanilla. Refined tannins and ample red fruit make this Zin a fine match for a margarita pizza.

Rating: 90

Sextant 2015 Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Central Coast, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

One is drawn into a glass by aromas of peaches, pineapples, and melons that are backed up with whispers of creamy oak. The palate brings together flavors of pineapple, apple, and peach with accents of lemon custard and limestone. This Chardonnay has a nice balance of a rich body and a bright acidity, making it a good pairing for swordfish.

Rating: 90