The Tasting Panel magazine

November 2012

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Hearthstone Hoy Buell is a horticulturist. For 32 years, he has propagated everything from vegetables to grape vines for the wholesale market. He has also been actively involved in reclamation projects throughout the country. After selling vines to vintners in Paso Robles for years, he decided, perhaps for strategic purposes, that it no longer worked for his nursery. Buell found himself with enough starters to plant 20 acres of vines all of which were well suited for the Paso area. With the resources to do so, his desire to propa- gate a vineyard was now justified, and in 1999 the estate was planted. The vineyard is located in the Adelaida region of Paso Robles and shares a fence with Tablas Creek. Boulders of pure limestone scatter the property, as much of it had to be dug out before planting. Despite Buell's lifelong experience in horticulture, the vineyard still manages to keep him on his toes. "Every year you're learning something new," he observes, "and you usually figure it out as it's happening or after it happens." Buell's thirst to really understand the physiology of his vines and adapt to changes in the environ- ment, contributes to the continued success of Hearthstone vineyard. 2009 Hearthstone Grenache, Estate ($26) Aromas of rich, ripe, brambly fruit and black pepper. The palate is medium bodied, with flavors of lush Bing cherry and anise. 2009 Hearthstone Sangiovese, Estate ($28) Made up entirely of the Brunello clone, this wine is reminiscent of the dusty, sweet smelling terroir of Paso. A medium-bodied wine with beautiful structure and acidity, it maintains a sour cherry core infused with toasted baking spices, clove, and wild sage. A distinctive Sangiovese that lives up to its respected pedigree. Hoy Buell of Hearthstone Winery. HEARTHSTONE Hoy Buell is a horticulturist. For 32 years, he has propagated everything from vegetables to grape vines for the wholesale market. He has also been actively involved in reclamation proj- ects throughout the country. After sell- ing vines to vintners in Paso Robles for years, he decided, perhaps for strategic purposes, that it no longer worked for his nursery. Buell found himself with enough starters to plant 20 acres of vines, all of which were well-suited for the Paso area. With the resources to do so, his desire to propagate a vineyard was now justified, and in 1999 the estate was planted. The vineyard is located in the Adelaida region of Paso Robles and shares a fence with Tablas Creek. Boulders of pure limestone scatter the property, as much of it had to be dug out before planting. Despite Buell's lifelong experience in horticulture, the vineyard still manages to keep him on his toes. "Every year you're learning something new," he observes, "and you usually figure it out as it's happening or after it happens." Buell's thirst to really understand the physiology of his vines and adapt to changes in the environ- ment, contributes to the continued success of Hearthstone vineyard. For more information, go to FamilyWinePartners.com. 2009 Hearthstone Mourvèdre, Estate ($32) Mourvèdre is one of the sexiest varietals in Paso. Often times, the tannins are too stiff, masking any fruit character the wine might have. In Paso, high daytime temperatures allow this varietal to ripen fully, and the powerful fruit stands up to the wine's naturally tannic structure. This Mourvedre is inviting with aromas of lush blackberry fruit and cedar. The mid-palate unfolds with flavors of orange pekoe tea, black cherry and a hint of sage. 2009 Hearthstone Syrah, Estate ($32) Cocoa and sweet cherry aromas fill the glass. The palate is medium to full bodied with smooth raspberry mocha flavors up front and velvety tan- nins on the finish. A feminine and elegant Syrah. november 2012 / the tasting panel / 87

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