Paso Robles

• Willow Creek

This is a blend of 48% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 22% Mourvedre from the west side of Paso Robles.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is deep with black raspberries, roasted meats, roasted herbs, black pepper and earthiness.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  Juicy acidity.  On the palate, this is delicious.  Deep.  flavors of black raspberries, slight blueberries, char, slight dark chocolate and earthiness.  Long finish.  This is delicious on its own and will work with bigger foods.  It will work well with Koren BBQ.  Drink over the next ten to twenty years. 

This is from golfer Greg Norman's wines releases under his name, this time from Paso Robles, California.  The vineyard is/was part of the Penfold's California vineyards.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, sandalwood, dried berries, and black pepper.  Nice texture.  Light tannins.  On the palate, this is past prime but still with something to offer.  Black raspberry fruit, dried fruits, slight prune and black pepper.  Good finish.  Drink up.  It would be better with food.  Grilled meats would be a good pairing.

This was quite good.  It is different than the Italian versions especially in taste and texture.  Light green/gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose is nice with lemon creme, sea air, minerality and slight tropical fruits.  Medium bodied.  Creamy texture that is almost seamless.  Good acidity.  On the palate, tropical fruits and minerality with some lemon-lime notes on the finish.  This is delicious on its own and will work with lighter foods.  It went well with Korean BBQ Tofu.  Drink over the next five years.  Screwcapped.