Our recently published Paso Robles annual report gave high marks for the excellent drinkability of the region’s wines despite their high alcohol levels. The fresh acidity we found in many of the reds we rated highly beat the drum for balance and energy while also showing impressive phenolic ripeness. And the top cabernets are flavorful yet classy and typical, while Paso's great Rhone offerings are rich, spicy and full of verve.
But that doesn't end the Paso story. For savvy consumers who pinch pennies to keep their everyday wine stocks up, Paso Robles is one region that truly delivers on value and diversity.
From the lighter, varietal wines made from lesser-known Rhone and Mediterranean grapes such as counoise, cinsault and valdiguie (once known as Napa gamay in California), all the way to the generous and flattering zinfandel and rich and brooding petite sirah, Paso Robles wines comprise almost every style from the 60 grape varieties grown there. And many of these grapes thrive in Paso’s ancient soils, of which the amount of calcium-rich, calcareous clay is second to none.
