The wineries in Paso Robles are scattered all over the hillsides. Be prepared to do much driving when you are in the area, much of it on hilly and curvy roads.
1. Turley - probably the best of all Zinfandel makers, at least here. The 2008 vintage is not nearly as ripe as 2007, but that probably holds true throughout the entire region for all varietals. Still, we purchased a 2008 Dusi Vineyard and the 2006 Ueberroth. The Ueberroth is unusual as it displays more earth and mushrooms (yeah, I know, strange).
2. Tablas Creek - Although we didn't purchase here, they pour nicely and have great Rhone blends as well as a few other surprises.
3. Adelaida - the Chenin Blanc from the library (2002 vintage) was very nice. We bought the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon which one the Los Angeles County wine tasting for red wines last year. This will compare to some of the good ones in Napa and Sonoma.
4. Eberle - Ever see Sideways? This reminded me of "Frass Canyon." Recall the scene where Miles pours a dump bucket all over himself.
5. Vina Robles - This house is a big-dollar affair. Much has gone into the construction of this wonderful winery... er, tasting room. They don't make the wine onsight here. At any rate, great stuff here, but the winner was their introductory red, the Red 4 table wine. Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Petit Sirah. Best thing about it, $16!
6. Roxo - Ports! A comped tasting, this was a real treat. Small production ports using Cabernet, Barbera, and traditional Portuguese grapes. The chocolate really shows through in the Barbera and Bordeaux styled "Paso Melange."
7. Clayhouse - Another comp, this house is right downtown as are many of the tasting rooms. Good lower priced stuff, we opted for the Estate Cuvee which is a Rhone blend.
8. Ortman - one of the original Napa winemakers, Chuck Ortman's Chardonnay actually was present at the famous 1976 tasting in Paris. "Mr. Chardonnay" is Ortman's handle and when you try his wine, I see why. He is credited with making the lower-oaked fresher style of Chardonnay which showed well in Paris. I found his Sangiovese his best offering.
As a note, it seems that the area is now favoring Syrah and Petit Sirah more than last year. There are many more wineries here this year. Paso Robles is now at least a two-day visit if you want to really see what is here.
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