June 2016 Domestic Wine: 2012 Vina Robles Red4-Paso Robles CA
Fine Wine Source Wine Club
June 2016
Vina Robles Winery: Proprietor Hans Nef and managing partner Hans-Rudolf Michel bring their Swiss heritage to California’s Central Coast with an aim to unite the best of both worlds. They first discovered Paso Robles back in the early 1980’s and became enamored with the emerging wine country. In the mid 1990’s they planted the first estate vineyards and established Vina Robles as a family winery specializing in varieties that excel in the region’s diverse terroir Their vision for Vina Robles is summed up by their motto: European Inspiration-California Character. Under the guidance of winemaker Kevin Willenborg, the wines are made in a style that combines rich California fruit with a sense of balance that is more commonly found in the great wines of Europe; striving for wines that are both powerful and harmonious. Kevin explains: “Each wine has its own life. That life begins with the planting and development of the vines. It is then transferred from the earth through the vine as the grapes are harvested, crushed, fermented into wine and eventually bottled. The role of the winemaker is to respectfully steward this life with care and attention to detail.”
About: The Power of 4-This Paso blend is more delicious than the sum of its parts. It combines grape varieties mainly from the prestigious Huerhero Vineyard, located in the rolling hills of Paso Robles. Warm afternoons and cool evening breezes influence the grapes to perfect ripeness. The grapes were picked at cooler morning temps and cold soaked for two days prior to fermentation. Variable pump-over techniques were implemented during progressive stages of fermentation to enhance fruit extraction and balance out tannin structure. The wine was then aged in both small & large format French, European, and American oak barrels (medium to light toast) for 16 months in order to add complexity while enhancing a soft, velvety finish. This Red4 blend showcases the spice and cherry qualities of Syrah, the structure of Petite Sirah, the forward fruit of Grenache, and the rustic character of Mourvedre.
Varietals: 50%Petite Sirah (23%Huerhuero/17%Jardine/10%Creston Valley Vineyards), 20%Syrah, 20%Grenache, 10%Mourvedre (All Huerhuero Vineyards)
Alcohol: 13.9%
Tasting Notes: Ruby and Garnet in color lead into a nose that encompasses dark fruit and pomegranate with undertones of savory spice. Medium body with rich cherry fruit, sweet chalky tannins, and hints of cocoa on the finish.
Food Pairings: From everyday pizza to pastas and grilled meats, this intriguing, youthful wine is your perfect dinner companion!
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts: Rich and flavorful; loaded with layered flavor of currant and black smoky fruit. Great with pork or steak from the barbeque!!!