Adelaida’s only dry farmed vineyard, Michael’s, planted in 2003, contains 18 acres of traditional head pruned, heritage Zinfandel clones sourced from the Paso Robles AVA. Covering a wave-like, undulating hilltop, the vineyard has varying elevations, from 1,580 to 1,735 feet. Dry land farming is a holistic practice with annual spring deep disking to turn the topsoil, followed by ring rolling to smooth the surface, compacting the dust mulch to seal in the available moisture. The site, selected for its base of top soil and minimal erosion, is appropriate for deep rooted vines. Low yields are the norm, around 1 ton/acre. At 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard has ideal exposure to the natural arc of the summer sun, and benefits from the dramatic diurnal temperature cool down of 40-50 degrees from the daytime highs.

92+ points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 91 points Stephen Tanzer. A wine of breeding and finesse that shows traditional European hallmarks of lavender and jasmine perfume, a silky texture and dark chocolate tastes. Hermitage is not a big wine. Drink now with a good 2 – 4 hour splash decanting, or hold two years to calm down. 93 cases. Unfined and Unfiltered. 

This new release is a blend of both 2008 and 2009 vintages (50/50 muscat and viognier).  Captivating aromas of ripe honeydew melon, wildflowers and freshly made honey lead to a clean palate of sweet apricots.  Overall it is a rich and layered wine with a lasting peach finish.  Deserving to stand on its own merits or served along side a fruit cobbler.  Best served slightly chilled.

A dedicated collection of Rhône grape varieties, Anna’s mountainous 51 acres are divided between six red varieties (35.5 acres), planted between 2001 and 2004 along a steep south facing ridge, and 4 lower elevation white varieties (15.4 acres) planted in 2007. Red varieties benefit from ideal sun exposure and exhibit the nuanced flavors of their elevated mountain site on the west side of Paso Robles. At between 1,595 and 1,935 feet in elevation, the red varities lie on an extreme 30 degree slope rooted in devigorating calcareous shale sub soils. Vines are ENTAV certified, the 15 acres of Syrah being a diverse selection, divided into 5 vineyard blocks.

Stylistically described as absolutely non-Californian, the wine emits profound old world minerality from the rare chalky/limestone rocks of western Paso Robles. Overall complex, we ask that you linger a while, look for white flower blossom, citrus zest, pear fruit, melon, and if you close your eyes you can smell the sea. Barrel aged in neutral French oak for a round textural feel while not adding any oak flavor. Drink now through 2013.  2 BOTTLE LIMIT.

 

Syrah 46%, Mourvedre 37%, Zinfandel 11%, Grenache 6%. (30% discount for club members on inaugural vintage.)
This new wine is made for members of our wine club (also available to non club members); we are very grateful for your belief in Adelaida and wanted to create a wine especially for you. Paso Robles is now recognized as a serious player while still brandishing its frontier spirit. It is in this vein that a category known as “Paso Blends” has ridden into town. Pretty much anything goes, though Rhône + Zin = Tasty, it works for us. The earthy bass notes from the Rhône varietals are given a snappy lift and high kick from Paso’s own sheriff, Zinfandel. 100% Estate, drink now through 2014.

HMR is a celebrated vineyard in the hills of west Paso Robles. The anchor of this property is a historic planting of rare, old vine Pinot Noir (35 acres) dating back to 1964. This pioneering old vineyard has proven successful for Burgundian varieties because of its unique microclimate, 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding sites. Its location, only 14 miles from the Pacific, accentuates afternoon intrusions of marine air, promoting a dramatic 40-50 degree diurnal temperature variation. The vines struggle in devigorating calcareous shale sub soils in the rolling mountain terrain at between 1,600 and 1,725 feet of elevation. The diverse landscape of ridge tops, rocky slopes, and natural depressions produces a complex set of aromatics and subtle flavors. Pinot Noir vine spacing is traditional 1960s style, 8 feet between vines and 12 feet between rows, 519 vines/acre. Lacking a clonal attribution, the vine diversity is a selection of the best performing clones of the day, now referred to as the “HMR Selection”.

Dense and unctuously textured, The Don tastes like a marriage of blackberry liqueur and melted licorice. Possessing a long penetrating finish it is a proper companion for after dinner on a cold night in front of a roaring fireplace. Made in the style of a vintage Port, it can be cellared up to 15-20 years, or enjoyed now for its youthful exuberance. Match it up with your favorite Belgian chocolate or as is British custom, with a tangy Stilton cheese.

Our neighbor, Glenrose Vineyard, specializes in Rhone varieties, planted on steep, devigorating chalky soils on the marine influenced hills of Westside Paso Robles. Harvest depends on a narrow window, when the grape’s natural acidity properly balances the unctuous ripeness.

Bright reds and salmon colors lead to a bouquet of mineral tinged wild strawberry fruitiness. The wine is crisp yet mouth filling with a cool sprightliness and lush creamy finish. Best served well chilled on the veranda with pre-prandial bites. To be enjoyed in the near term (Summer of 2011), it has enough structure to delight for up to 12 months.