While wine and St. Patrick’s day aren’t necessarily synonymous, you can still be green on March 17th or any other day with your vino. Pomar Junction is one of many wineries participating in the Sustainability in Practice program (or S.I.P for short). The Merrill family, that owns and operates the winery, has a grape growing history which goes back 8 generations, so they are dedicated to protecting and preserving all the gifts of nature. Thus, as a key member among the S.I.P wineries, the work they do at Pomar Junction keeps a proud family legacy going.

Grape(s): Chardonnay

Region: Paso Robles

Year: 2009

Special Designation: Picnic

Price: 10-15

Review

Green apple and Asian pear aromas meld with suggestions of honey and lemon rind on the nose. A sip reveals notes of pear, citrus fruits, and apple with accents of honey and minerals. A fairly bright Chardonnay that still has a nice, round mouthfeel, if you like lush fruit but not vanilla, this is a bottle to try, especially at its price.

Rating: 87

Farming Certification: Sustainability in Practice (SIP)™

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles

Year: 2008

Special Designation: (none)

Price: 30-35

Review

Aromatics of currants, plums, and blackberries with accents of cinnamon and sassafras root rise up from a glass. Flavors of bramble fruit, currants, and plum meld with suggestions of mocha and sweet spice on the palate. An atypical Cab, offering lush fruit flavors and slightly sweet notes of spice, if you enjoy easy drinking reds, this is a bottle for you.

Rating: 88

Farming Certification: Sustainability in Practice (SIP)™

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, Petite Sirah 25%, Syrah 25%, and Zinfandel 25%

Region: Paso Robles

Year: 2008

Special Designation: Train Wreck

Price: 40-45

Review

A bouquet of black cherries, plums, and cassis melds with suggestions of black pepper and vanilla on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of cherry, currants, blackberry with accents of pepper, anise, and vanilla. Rich fruit, plush tannins, and a hint of spice make this a nicely balanced and approachable wine.

Rating: 89

Farming Certification: Sustainability in Practice (SIP)™