In 2022, the diverse landscape and geography of Paso Robles provided winemakers with a broader canvas for making harvest decisions compared with other California regions. This was especially true for Patrimony, where vineyards are perched 2,200 feet (670 meters) above sea level and 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) from the coast, with plantings oriented in a 360-degree setting.
Daniel Daou, who runs Patrimony (and DAOU) with his brother George, expressed his astonishment at the high acidity, flavor development and varietal typicity he was able to achieve – qualities that were clearly evident tasting the Patrimony Paso Robles Adelaida District Blanc 2022. Made from a blend of 71 percent sauvignon blanc and 29 percent semillon, it displayed a wonderfully perfumed and mineral nose with aromas of lemon pith, beeswax and lanolin, which seamlessly followed onto the palate with fresh acidity and a long lingering finish rivaling great Bordeaux whites, specifically those from Pessac-Leognan.
Many of the 2022 wines we tasted had a fruit-forward presence in the glass with lots of character, and their freshness and drinkability were surprising. Varinder Sahi, who runs Copia Vineyards with his wife, Anita, said 2022 “was the hardest vintage we’ve ever worked, but the reward of all that hard work paid off through relentless attention to detail in both the vineyard and winery that helped capture freshness and battle the heat dome.”
Their Copia Syrah Paso Robles Willow Creek District The Source 2022 is beautifully balanced and refined, showing lifted and vibrant layers of dark cherry, mocha and dried herbs.