Paso Robles Wine Country AVA was established in 1983 and located in San Luis Obispo County, California. It's a part of the larger Central Coast area north of Santa Barbara County. With approximately 40,000 acres of wine grapes. it's known for its history with varieties like Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rhône-style wines.

 

This week on the podcast, we discuss:

• History of Paso Robles wine
• Paso Robles's large size and diversity in terroir
• Newly formed sub-AVAs
• Grape varieties and wine style

 

Wine Recommendations

Opolo Summit Creek Zinfandel 2015 - priced around $19. This wine is 100% Zin sourced from 9 different vineyards all in Paso Robles. Lovely nose of dark fruit, blueberry, baking spice like clove, as well as leather. It's dry with medium acidity and medium level of smooth tannins with flavors of freeze dried strawberries, blueberry jam, and a little dark chocolate. We thought this wine was very easy drinking, it’s ripe, juicy and lush. It has a decadent feel, almost desert like and this wine is 16.5% ABV but doesn’t taste like it so be careful!

 

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 - priced around $27. Paso Robles is also known for their affordable, tasty Cabs and look no further than Justin. This wine has aromas of black cherries, flowers like violets, and a smoky charred smell with a touch of anise. It's dry with a full body, medium plus acidity, medium smooth tannins and flavors of cherry, black currants, vanilla, baking spices and toasty oak. You can taste the oak aging on this wine but it’s done with such finesse and care. This wine lives up to the hype of California Cabs. This is a great cool weather sipping wine. Great balance of fruit vs. oak and acid vs. tannins. Buy now and drink soon!