Winemaker Notes
This wine is always ready to go, straight out of the chute. We recommend drinking this wine while you are waiting for the other two. Sweet juicy strawberry pie with great acidity, freshness, and a nice tannic core.
Blend: 51% Syrah, 31% Grenache, 18% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Just bottled five weeks ago, the 2012 Terry Hoage Vineyard (330 cases) is a thrilling blend of 51% Syrah, 31% Grenache and 18 % Mourvedre. It has an up front approachable and sexy feel in its cherry blossom and black raspberry fruit, crushed flowers and spice aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated and with sweet tannin, it’s the most ready-to-go in the lineup, yet will still have 10-12 years of longevity.
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.
Growing on high elevation bedrock slopes, the vineyards of Paso Robles Willow Creek AVA sit at between 960 and 1,900 feet in elevation.
EUG139030_2012 Item# 139030