Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From one of the highest-altitude vineyards in Paso Robles, the 2015 Pinot Noir HMR Estate Vineyard wafts from the glass with an attractive bouquet of wild berry fruit, potpourri, warm spice and underbrush. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, satiny and expansive, with beautifully refined tannins, juicy acids and a long, subtly oak-inflected finish. This is an accomplished Pinot Noir that transcends perceptions of what this variety can achieve in Paso, and I'm looking forward to following future vintages.
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Wine Enthusiast
Paso Robles isn't known for Pinot Noir, although this historic vineyard has been growing it successfully, and with plenty of aging ability, since 1964. Aromas of light berries, tarragon and sandalwood lead into a palate full of mint, fennel pollen, mulberry and dried plum, altogether exhibiting a li hing mui sort of character. Editors’ Choice
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The HMR Vineyard in Paso Robles has a long history of producing many wonderful wines. The 2015 Adelaida HMR Pinot Noir is quite excellent and brings this AVA into a good light. TASTING NOTES: This wine is bright and beautiful with plenty of power and charm. Its aroma and flavors or red and black fruit pair it well with a spice-rubbed Porchetta. (Tasted: August 20, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
Say the words “Paso Robles Pinot Noir,” and some folks might give you a funny look. After all, the region has become famous for Zinfandel, Cabernet and Rhone varieties like Syrah and Grenache. But Pinot? It turns out, however, that Paso Pinot not only has some history, but a very promising future. As in the field of real estate, it all comes down to location, location, location.
Pinot Noir was made here as early as the 1970’s, with further efforts coming in the 1990’s. But it couldn’t happen just anywhere. Typically the sub-appellations on the Westside, namely Adelaida, Templeton Gap, York Mountain and Willow Creek, which benefit from the cooling effect of the nearby Pacific Ocean, turn out the most impressive Pinot Noir, redolent of red fruit, loamy forest floor and floral tones.