Palate
The palate is super concentrated and ripe with wild raspberry and up front bramble notes, the palate moves on to Montmorency and Rainer cherry flavors and then understated licorice and lightly spiced cherry pie flavors. It will drink well in its youth, but will cellar well through 2024.
Growing Conditions
The grapes were grown in the Central Coast’s now famous Paso Robles appellation which is mountainous and warm, yet close to the coast which moderates the temperatures. Paso Robles is well known for exceptional red wines, particularly Syrah and the other two Rhone varietals found in this blend: Grenache and Mourvedre. This is due to the low yields and amazing concentration which makes the resulting wines true to varietal character and distinct: Syrah provides the big fruit and concentrated base of the blend, the Mourvedre - the earth and leathery qualities, and the Grenache is all spice.
Food Pairing
This wine expresses ideal acidity and will pair well with many dishes. Try it with classic Cassoulet, slow roasted pork shoulder or braised short ribs. These main courses and others should be paired with rustic winter vegetables such as roasted parsnips, carrots and English peas; pan seared fingerling potatoes dusted with truffles (when available) and sea salt.
This wine pairs well with roasted chicken or Peking duck, short ribs with parsnip mashed potatoes or filet mignon encrusted with wild mushrooms and served with Israeli Couscous and organic pea shoots dusted with white pepper.