Wine Tasting Notes of Nan & Michael
"Wine Lovers"
No. California & Oregon Wines and Wineries

Occasionally, when we were living in California, we would make a trip to the Paso Robles area ... and always try to stop at a winery or two. ;-) This area has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years and the quality of the wines has greatly improved.

Here are notes on some of the wines we have tried. Please be aware that some of the wines and/or vintages may no longer be available. Contact the winery for the most recent releases.

Tobin James Cellars (805) 239-2204
Our most recent visit to this winery was in November 2003. Following are some notes on their new releases.
   2002 "Radiance" Chardonnay -- This wine surrounds your tastebuds with luscious tropical flavors.
   2002 Chardonnay Reserve -- The fermenting in French oak gives this wine a soft, buttery flavor.
   2000 Merlot -- A very good Merlot. Definite black currant fruit in the nose with lots of fruitiness on the palate.
   2001 Zinfandel -- Lots of juicy Zin flavors. What more can I say?
   2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve -- Very nice.
   2001 Late Harvest Zinfandel -- A ymmy dessert wine. Deep, rich, and intense. Absolutely glorious with chocolate!

EOS Estate Winery at Arciero Vineyards (805) 239-2317
Many years ago, these wines weren't very impressive. How things have changed! Some excellent wines -- particularly the EOS Estate wines.
   2000 Pinot Grigio (Arciero) -- Light, refreshing, tropical. Delightful.
   2000 Sauvignon Blanc (EOS) -- A drier wine, yet fruity and refreshing.
   2000 Chardonnay (EOS) -- Mild and well-balanced. Nice fruit flavors.
   1999 Reserve Chardonnay (EOS) -- Full-bodied, buttery-oaky flavors. Smooth. Very good.
   1999 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (EOS) -- Excellent! Intense berry flavors with a nice chocolate-mint finish. Will age very well.

Peachy Canyon Winery (805) 239-1928
My daughter absolutely loves this winery.
    1999 Westside Zinfandel -- Fruity, raspberry nose with black cherry and spicy plum in the flavors.
    1999 Estate Zinfandel --Fruit and spices. Rated a '90' by Wine  Enthusiast.
    1999 Cabernet Franc -- Raspberries and blueberries in the aroma, vanilla-oaky flavors. A yummy wine!

Harmony Cellars
Located in the 'BIG' town of Harmony, this small winery had some very tasty wines. (Notes on new releases were added in November 2002.)
     2000 Chardonnay -- Lemon, butter, and tropical fruit aromas and flavor. Lovely.
     Aurora Blush -- Also comes bottled as Christmas Blush during the holidays. A sweeter wine with lots of pears and peaches in the flavor. Mmmm.
     2000 Zinfandel -- Aromas of pepper and sweet spices. Smooth on the palate with a little tingle on the edges. Fruity burst of flavor on the finish.
     2000 Merlot -- A young wine that brought aromas of strawberry and raspberry to the nose. A little cranberry flavor came through on the palate. Aging will improve this wine.
     1999 Cabernet Sauvignon -- Scent of chocolate cherries in the nose with ripe red cherries in the mouth. A lighter-bodied Cab.

Mastantuono Winery (805) 238-0676
Several years ago, we visited this winery and have never forgotten their 'mix' of Muscat Canelli and Champagne. What a delicious drink!
     1999 Chardonnay -- Has a rather 'different' taste for a Chardonnay with a bit of spiciness along with the fruitiness.
     1995-96 Barbera -- It's suggested you try both the 1995 and the 1996   to see which one appeals to you. I preferred the 1996 with its full-bodied plum flavors; my daughter liked the 1995.
     1997 Zinfandel -- FULL of pepper flavors. A robust wine that Zin-lovers will fully appreciate.

Dover Canyon Winery (805) 237-0101
The drive to this winery is incredibly beautiful. Situated in the rolling hills outside of Paso Robles, the view from the tasting room is magnificent.
     2000 "Cujo" Zinfandel -- Intense raspberry jam and cherry pie flavors. Nuances of pepper and smoke linger on the tongue. (There's a story behind the name of this wine which you won't want to miss if you visit.)

Bonny Doon Vineyard (805) 239-5674
If you have time on your hands, you'll want to visit this winery. With a selection of over 25 different styles of wine, you'll be tasting for quite some time.

Norman Vineyards (805) 237-0138
What a fun winery! We fell in love with "The Monster" Zin.
     1999 Reserve Chardonnay -- Oaky, buttery, full-bodied.
     2000 Classic Zinfandel -- Spicy and peppery, it's the 'classic' Zin.
     2000 "The Monster"® Zinfandel -- A monstrous wine full of fruity, spicy  flavors. Try it, you'll like it!

Opolo Vineyards (805) 238-9593
Tried these wines on a visit in May 2002.
     2000 Sanviovese -- Nice, light red wine. Picked up raspberry and strawberry flavors with a very fruity finish.
     2000 Pinot Noir -- Lots of berries in the aroma, very pleasant fruity       flavor. Rich mouth feel.
     2000 Merlot -- Black cherries in the nose with lively fruit flavors.

Vina Robles (805) 227-4812
The Sales & Marketing Director of this winery graciously sent us some samples to taste. Very nice wines!
     2001 Petite Syrah -- Black cherries with a hint of raspberry on the  nose. Lots of berry flavor fills the mouth and there is a spiciness on  the finish with a hint of licorice. We served this wine with a Mexican- style chicken dish.
     2000 Estate Syrah -- We noticed cherries in the bouquet with hints of chocolate  and roasted beans. In the mouth, full-flavored fruits and a nice silky feel. Strong finish made this an impressive wine. Served with pork chops.
     2001 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon -- Plum aroma carries over into the flavor. Drinkable now. A nice wine, but not a robust Cab. Served with steak.