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Rhone grape varieties thrive in Northern California. From El Dorado County in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains to the rolling hills of Paso Robles, there are rich, fruit-driven wines to be found. So whether you’re a fan of Grenache, Viognier, or blends, something will surely please your palate.
Hearst Ranch 2012 “Three Sisters Cuvee” Red
Grape(s): 52% Grenache, 43% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of strawberries, plums, and raspberries meld with nuances of spice and vanilla on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry that interweave with all-spice and vanilla. A light red with silky tannins, enjoy a bottle with grilled salmon.
Rating: 88
Hearst Ranch 2013 “Three Sisters Cuvee” White
Grape(s): 42% Viognier, 24% Marsanne, 21% Grenache Blanc, 11% Roussanne, & 2% Picpoul Blanc
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Apricot, peach, and citrus aromas meld with nuances of white blossoms and honey on the nose. Peach, lemon, and apricot flavors emerge on the palate along with traces of white pepper and honeysuckle. A slightly creamy white with lively mineral highlights, fans of lush, Rhone-style blends ought to try this bottle.
Rating: 89
Sierra Vista 2013 Grenache
Grape(s): 100% Grenache
Region: El Dorado, Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of strawberries and plums mingle with hints of spice and vanilla on the nose. A sip offers flavors of plum, strawberry, and raspberry that open up into notes of minerals, vanilla, and white pepper. A light, bright wine with silky tannins, fans of easy-drinking reds will ought to try this bottle. 120 cases were made.
Rating: 88
Sierra Vista 2013 Viognier
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: El Dorado, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of tropical fruit and peach combine with floral nuances on the nose. The palate reveals flavors of apricot, peach, and mango that interweave with traces of honeysuckle and sweet spice. A chalky, floral white, it will pair nicely with semi-sweet Chinese take-out dishes. 251 cases produced.
Rating: 87
Fenestra 2011 Grenache
Grape(s): 98% Grenache & 2% Syrah
Region: Livermore Valley, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Notes of strawberries, cherries, and plums mingle with suggestions of spice and vanilla on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of strawberry, pomegranate, and plum that unfold into allusions of pepper and vanilla. A light, bright red with plush tannins, sip it on its own or enjoy a bottle with Spanish tapas. 179 cases produced.
Rating: 88
Mount Aukum 2009 Petite Sirah
Grape(s): 100% Petite Sirah
Region: El Dorado, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries combine with traces of sweet spice and pepper on the nose. A sip offers flavors of bramble fruit and cherry that mingle with hints of vanilla and spice on the palate. Dark and smooth with plush tannins, fans of lush Petite Sirah will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89
Ventana 2013 “Rubystone” Blend
Grape(s): 60% Grenache & 40% Syrah
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries, plums, and raspberries meld with pepper and creamy oak on the nose. Blackberry, cherry, and pomegranate flavors are accented by nuances of spice, minerals, and vanilla on the palate. A dark, supple wine, it will pair nicely with lamb burgers.
Rating: 89
