Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/29638
Clayhouse Wines The Vines: Home to the oldest Petite Sirah vines in the county, Clayhouse makes wines that are handcrafted and terroir-driven, inspired by the Estate Red Cedar Vineyard just east of Paso. Winemaker David Frick carries on the vision of the Middleton family, which has roots in agriculture dating back four generations. The Wine: Clayhouse 2007 Show Pony Petite Sirah (SRP $40) is crafted from old-vine grapes harvested two weeks later than the rest of Clayhouse’s vines, at 27.9 degrees Brix for full, rich flavor. Aged in Hungarian, French and American oak barrels, this charmer was originally developed as a wine club–only offering; it quickly proved to be more than a one-trick Pony and was developed into a full release. Rich and vibrant with notes of floral sweetness, Bing cherry and warming spice; smooth and supple with tangy acidity. Peachy Canyon The Vines: A family-owned winery established in 1988, Peachy Canyon produces some of Paso’s best Zinfandel—all while adhering to sustainable farm- ing guidelines. Each of Peachy Canyon’s four estate vineyards is situated in a specific microclimate, giving the wines sourced from these vineyards uniquely distinguishable characteristics that readily appear in the single-vineyard selections. The Wine: Peachy Canyon 2008 WestsideZinfandel (SRP $19) is blended from fruit sourced from all four Peachy Canyon estate Treana and Hope Family Wines The Vines: With more than 30 years of experi- ence growing grapes and making wines in Paso, the Hope family has been instrumental in shaping the region’s ever-growing reputation for excellence in Rhône varietals. With 42 acres planted primarily to Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache, the Hope Family Vineyard has inspired winemaker Austin Hope to cre- ate the Westside Red brand, in addition to overseeing the rest of the family’s portfolio of excellent wines. The Wine: Westside Red Troublemaker (SRP $20) is a wine that takes rule-breaking seriously. A multi-vintage 100% estate fruit Rhône blend (53% Syrah, 37% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre), Troublemaker combined barrel-aged wine from the 2007 and 2008 vintages, and daringly mixes it with the bright new wine from the 2009 vintage, resulting in a blend that’s multi-dimensional, and just plain ole’ fun. Bright, bold and clean with juicy fruit intensity and plump, bursting blackberry. 98 / the tasting panel / april 201 1 vineyards, capturing four microclimates in one bottle. “From cool-climate, to hot areas, to vineyards where the grapes need longer hang- time, the coolest thing about this wine is that it’s a Zin with all of those characteristics, which you can taste alone in the single- vineyard wines,” says winemaker Josh Beckett. Round with rich berry notes; clear, bright and not too jammy with nice, balanced acid. Grey Wolf Vineyards & Cellars The Vines: Owned and operated by mother-son team Shirlene and Joe Barton Jr., all wines at Grey Wolf Vineyards & Cellars are made in an Old World style by Joe Jr., who bucks one Paso winemaking trend: “As the Rhônes have taken off, I chased it a bit, but we haven’t jumped on the Rhône front. We’re sticking to the varieties that we think are classic California.” The Wine: Grey Wolf 2006 Barton Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $34) is pure California Cab and barrel-aged in 50% new-wood French, Hungarian and American Oak casks, imbuing the wine with lovely oaky notes. Sleek and smooth; bright plum and subtle cinnamon effortlessly combine in this easy-drinker.