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The Central Coast of California is home to some wonderful up-and-coming wine regions. Any notion that all the top-notch wines from the state originate in Napa or Sonoma is simply untrue. Just take a look at the fine examples from Monterey County and Paso Robles that our panel tasted recently. Cheers!
McIntyre 2012 Estate Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of red apple, pear, vanilla, and all-spice rises up from a glass. Flavors of apple, dried pineapple, and pear along with notes of creamy oak, sweet spice, and hazelnut emerge on the palate. A rich Chardonnay, with a welcoming acidity, enjoy a bottle on its own before dinner or pair it with lobster bisque. 792 cases were made.
Rating: 90
McIntyre 2012 Block K1 Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of peach, pear, and key lime mingle with suggestions of vanilla and hazelnut on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of peach, pineapple, and lime accented by notes of caramel and hazelnut. A rich, layered Chardonnay, this is a bottle to enjoy with special company. Just 100 cases produced.
Rating: 91
McIntyre 2012 Estate Pinot Noir
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries and cherries mingle with notes of cola, vanilla, and game on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of plum and black cherry with accents of cola and sweet spice. An elegant red with a friendly acidity, fans of smooth Pinots will enjoy this bottle. 340 cases were made.
Rating: 89
McIntyre 2012 Merlot
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Monterey County
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of cherries, plums, and blackberries meld with suggestions of minerals and creamy oak on the nose. Cherry and bramble fruit flavors are accented by nuances toasty oak and dusty earth on the palate. Supple tannins and ripe berry flavors make this Merlot a step above many on the market. 333 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Mercy Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of raspberries, strawberries, and cherries meld with hints of game and forest floor. The palate offers flavors of strawberry, black cherry, and raspberry mouse that are accented by notes of dusty earth, Asian spice, and smoked meat. A heartier Pinot, a food friendly acidity and medium body, try a bottle with pork chops or portabella mushrooms. 815 cases produced.
Rating: 87
Pomar Junction 2011 Reserve Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles
Price: 50-55
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of boysenberries and raspberries mingle with notes of white pepper and minerals
A sip delivers flavors of plum, raspberry and boysenberry along with highlight of pepper and dusty earth. A fairly bright, peppery Zin, it will pair nicely with your favorite pizza or Mexican dish. Only 69 cases were made.
Rating: 89
Pomar Junction 2011 ‘The Crossing” GSM
Grape(s): 40% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, & 30% Syrah
Region: Paso Robles
Price: 40-45
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of cherries, plums, and blackberries come together with nuances of spice, rosemary, and vanilla on the nose. The palate offers flavors of cherry, pomegranate, and blackberry accented by hints of pepper, rose petal, and caramel. Supple, dark, and layered, try a bottle with lamb. 242 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Sculpterra Winery 2010 Maquette
Grape(s): 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, & 3% Malbec
Region: Paso Robles
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, blueberries and cassis mingle with suggestions of cedar and baking spice on the nose. Flavors of blackberry, currants, blueberry come together with notes of earth, mint, and smokey oak on the palate. A mouth-filling blend with supple tannins and ample dark fruit, it’s an ideal wine to enjoy with red meat. 222 cases were made.
Rating: 89
Sculpterra Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 87% Cabernet Sauvignon & 13% Merlot
Region: Paso Robles
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries, boysenberries, and black currants unfold into hints of vanilla and roses on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of bramble fruit, black cherry, and cassis that meld with nuances of creamy oak, rose petals, and mint leaves. A nice structure and a fine acidity make this a Cab that will improve with age, lay a bottle down for a few years and enjoy. 301 cases produced.
Rating: 88
