Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/29638
Kiamie Wine Cellars The Vines: Blending is the key to Kiamie’s collection, where Westside Paso mountain vineyards give way to some of the region’s most favored fruit. Winemaker Steve Glossner’s heavy-hit- ting reputation gives Kiamie a leg-up in securing the best grapes from Paso’s most distinguished growers. The Wine: “The 2006 Kiamie Kuvée (SRP $38) showcases what happens without the restrictions of doing just a Rhône blend or a Bordeaux blend,” explains Aram Deirmenijian, Kiamie’s General Manager, who grew up in a grape-grower family. “Imagine what happens when we can combine them both,” he contin- ues, but with one sip, imagination is no longer necessary: Without the restrictions of blending along stark Rhône/Bordeaux lines, this is one killer Kuvée. Ripe fruit and enticing aromas draw you in, coffee and oaky-plum convince you to stay; lush, complex and rich. Halter Ranch Vineyard The Vines: Both Bordeaux- and Rhône- style blends reign at Halter Ranch’s sustain- ably-farmed vineyards, located on Paso’s West Side and vines are planted on steep south- facing slopes that boast lovely, rich limestone soils. The winery’s estate vineyard holds an unusually high number of grape varieties: 20. The Wine: Halter Ranch 2010 Rosé (SRP $14) is a certified organic blend (43% Grenache, 42% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre) reminiscent of wines coming out of the Southern Rhône. Pretty pink tropicality blends pineapple, banana and strawberries together in a fruity, floral and feminine fashion; lovely botanicals balance out the sweetness. Niner Wine Estates The Vines: When owner Dick Niner first came to the Paso region in 1996, a love affair blossomed; but it wasn’t until 2006 when the inaugural Niner vintage was released, unleashing some of the winningest wines in Paso. Today, Niner boasts a state-of- the-art gravity-flow winery on Paso’s Westside, with 46 acres of vines planted to mainly Bordeaux varietals. The Wines: Niner 2006 Fog Catcher (SRP $58) is the winery’s flagship blend, with barrel-selected 70% Cabernet Sauvigon, 21% Cab Franc and 9% Merlot coming together in a sophisticated homage to Bordeaux. Big, bold and bright, with tart cherry and cranberries giving way to a lovely linger- ing spice. Anglim Winery The Vines: A small family-owned producer that sources grapes for its Rhône wines and blends, Anglim partners with boutique growers to secure only the best fruit. Capping case production at 3,500 per year gives Steve and Steffanie Anglim the control to focus on making handcrafted wines that are elegant and expressive. The Wine: Anglim Winery 2007 Hastings Ranch Mourvédr (SRP $34) is a single-vineyard, 100% varietal offering that was originally planned to be part of a blend, but when the Anglim team saw what they had on their hands, they knew they had something special. “It’s a complex wine, and a tough grape,” explains Steffanie. Rich and brisk with earthy, peppery notes that lead to tart berry-cherry fruit; lovely. april 201 1 / the tasting panel / 99