Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Public Radio is a deep ruby-hued blend that harmonizes vibrant energy with refined power and nuance. At its core, rich notes of black cherry and ripe red plum unfold, layered with a spicy, savory complexity evocative of Cornas or Hermitage. Earthy undertones add depth and grace, while the wine's dense yet supple structure carries through to a long, aromatic finish. It's a wine of both luscious fruit and ethereal sophistication.
Blend: 51 % Syrah, 37% Grenache, 6.5% Mourvedre, 5.5% Graciano
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of black and red fruit, wild berries, dried rose petals, blackberry bush, wet stones and spices. The palate is luscious and rounded, with a textural mouthfeel, refined tannins and a juicy, fruit-drive finish. A blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre that offers so much freshness and enjoyment. Drink or hold.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Paso Robles has made a name for itself as a source of supple, powerful, fruit-driven Central Coast wines. But with eleven smaller sub-AVAs, there is actually quite a bit of diversity to be found in this inland portion of California’s Central Coast.
Just east over the Santa Lucia Mountains from the chilly Pacific Ocean, lie the coolest in the region: Adelaida, Templeton Gap and (Paso Robles) Willow Creek Districts, as well as York Mountain AVA and Santa Margarita Ranch. These all experience more ocean fog, wind and precipitation compared to the rest of the Paso sub-appellations. The San Miguel, (Paso Robles) Estrella, (Paso Robles) Geneso, (Paso Robles) Highlands, El Pomar and Creston Districts, along with San Juan Creek, are the hotter, more western appellations of the greater Paso Robles AVA.
This is mostly red wine country, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel standing out as the star performers. Other popular varieties include Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Grenache and Rhône blends, both red and white. There is a fairly uniform tendency here towards wines that are unapologetically bold and opulently fruit-driven, albeit with a surprising amount of acidity thanks to the region’s chilly nighttime temperatures.