Wine Outlook

Round 2 of the first day in Paso Robles began with Garretson Wine Company. Of all the wineries, this had to be the one I was looking most forward to. (Already familiar with Mat ‘Mr. Viognier’ Garretson’s wines, I really enjoyed the Cornbread Nation Cuvee back in December and various other ones I’ve had in the past. I also appreciate his nod to Southern and Irish roots with his choice in names and the fact that he’s another southerner who moved out West to pursue a wine dream.) Though it was a little hard to find—tucked away in an industrial area—it was worth the wrong turn. From a 2005 Roussanne called “The Limóid Cior” which means lemon honeycomb and tasting of fig, honey, nutmeg, and lime to the 2005 Viognier which BK aptly described as tasting of sweet potatoes (with cinnamon and marshmellows, I added) and peaches and honey, the whites were tasting quite nice on a warm day. And especially the rose’ which I had to buy: “The Celeidh,” truly a cranberry and pomegranate celebration of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre. Of course, the reds weren’t bad, either. Though the Mourvedre was light on fruit, it opened up into clove, coffee, and chocolate. I also had to take a bottle of the 2004 “The Luascáin�? Syrah, as I was drawn to the olive, cherry, and mocha. Overall, it was quite an experience, and one that I’ll gladly repeat when/if the sommelier ever comes to visit.

The last two wine stops were quick ones, as the final hour approached. We saw that cave on the left there as we drove up to Eberle Winery. It had been recommended by a customer in the tasting room and rightly so. Producing about 30,000 cases, all Paso Robles fruit, my favorites were the 2005 Cass Vineyard Roussanne with its rose petals, toasted pinenuts, and cream, and the 2005 Sangiovese with cherry cola and vanilla. The 2004 Steinbeck Syrah was nice but needs more time. The final winery that day was Tobin James Cellars, which was packed even at the late hour. The picture on the right shows the fun front porch, and that attitude continues inside. It looks like an old saloon, and there are even video games for the kids. The staff is entertaining, passing out stickers with the Tobin James star emblem. At that point, I was suffering from palate fatigue, but I did call my good friend Val, who loves their Zin, only to find out she had been there the day before. Small world!

The day was complete with a delightful meal in downtown Paso Robles at Villa Creek and the need to rest up for more winetasting the next day…

Farley Walker

Paso Robles, Garretson Wine Company, Eberle Winery