Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/101724
REVEAL NUMBER THREE Pomar Junction 2010 Viognier, Paso Robles ($25) From the windy Templeton Gap, southwest of Paso Robles proper, Pomar Junction is a large family estate winery, going back through eight generations of farmers. SIP-certiied vineyards (Sustainability in Practice) cover almost 100 acres, and where the grapes don't grow, you'll ind Santa Fe railroad cars strewn strategically across the property. Limestone rich Linne Calodo soils—calcareous shale and sandstone—and those cool afternoon breezes allow the wines to maintain bright acidity, while still showcasing rich fruit character. Pomar Junction Viognier (14.9% alc.) is aged in neutral French oak for seven months. Only 512 cases made. Our Panel's Notes "Smooth, creamy and elegant; aromatically lush. Balanced, with depth and style with a long, seamless inish." —Anthony Dias Blue "My favorite white of the tasting. Mellow, yet focused, with lots of minerality with balanced fruit, good mouthfeel and a great food wine." —Benny Bohm Mark Stern, Director of Sales and Hospitality for Pomar Junction Vineyard. REVEAL NUMBER FOUR Hope Family Vineyard 2010 Austin Hope Grenache, Paso Robles ($42) Farming in Paso Robles for more than 30 years, the Hope family prides itself on being known as Rhône varietal producers. The Austin Hope label is named for third-generation family farmer and irst-generation family winemaker Austin Hope, who also serves as the winery President. This eponymous label was launched with the 2000 vintage, and the 2010 Grenache was estate-grown in the Templeton Gap, which offers the rocky soils of clay and limestone for this three-clone blend, planted in high density spacing. The Grenache was aged on its lees in 100% new French oak barrels. Our Panel's Notes "Complex fruit with a spicy edge and distinct earthy components. The fruit is rich and full, but still restrained." —Bill Brandel "This wine speaks the language of Grenache, from its cherry-red hue to its perfumed nose. Hints of spicy cranberry and wild strawberry win me over, as does the soft, elegant inish." —Jonathan Mitchell Hope Family Wines California Regional Manager Marty Merritt. january 2013 / the tasting panel / 129