Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/735024
{ SOMMjournal.com } 57 San Simeon 2014 Viognier, Paso Robles (SRP $19) Stainless steel– fermented and aged in neutral French oak, the wine is lush but bright with aromas of fresh apricot, pineapple, elderflower blossom and warm milk bubbling on the stove. The lees stirring adds a nice rounder texture to the mouthfeel, but the acidity is nicely balanced. Long, mouth-smacking finish with flavors of stone fruit and lemon zest. San Simeon 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles (SRP $25) 2012 was an ideal vintage in Paso Robles: moderate weather and a long hang time. Sourced from three vineyards in the region, including Pretty Penny, the wine is an excellent representation of Paso Robles Cabernet, especially at this price point. A very clas - sic profile: spicy, slight menthol, cassis, black cherry and hints of cocoa from the oak aging. Berried and fresh on the front palate, chewier tannins and black fruit with flavors of dried sage and building to a grippier finish. Excellent aging potential. San Simeon 2013 Stormwatch, Paso Robles (SRP $70) The newest addition to the San Simeon lineup, made up of their best bar - rels of Cabernet Sauvignon, mainly from the Pretty Penny vineyard. This wine is restrained yet powerful. Distinct brambly fruit, fresh mulberries and cold- brew coffee aromas. Riper black fruit and dark chocolate up front with significant concentration, similar to a gastric in terms of weight and power. Excellent structure with great aging potential. Age or decant; this wine was tasted over the period of a week and was still incredible on day seven. Opaque 2014 Zinfandel, Paso Robles (SRP $30) The vineyard, Quarry Heights, is a source the family has worked with for years, and the vines produce what a wine with flavors similar to those of an old-vine Zinfandel. The site is rocky, with big chunks of shale and Linne Calodo soil, which impart a distinct minerality on the 15 year-old head-trained vines. Deep, black cherry, Mission fig, caramel coffee notes from the use of 100 percent new French oak. Rich and velvety on the palate, with flavors of dark choco - late and raspberry. THE WINES Lee Alegre grew up in a farming family in Lodi and graduated from Cal Poly in 1998 with a degree in crop science. His first job out of college was planting a vineyard in Creston, where he got the bug for the area. Today, he manages over 30 properties throughout Paso Robles and has planted around 100 vineyards. "I have a great staff of guys that work with me; they're amaz- ing, but I'm still primarily checking every block in every vineyard because you just never know," says Alegre in regard to his proactive approach. "My big thing is being in the vineyard on a daily basis."