Wines by Vintage
2008 Wines
Vintage Notes
In late January we enjoyed a series of storms which brought some much needed rain. However, the amount of rain was well below average, leading us into another dry year. During the spring, the Paso Robles AVA experienced a fairly bad frost. Fortunately for us, we did not have much damage. Later during bloom, there was shatter which affected our Cabernet Sauvignon the most. As a result, yields were down considerably.
We enjoyed a moderate summer and experienced a significant warm spell in early September, which was beneficial to bring the Syrah and Petite Sirah to full ripeness. This heat spike kicked off the 2008 harvest and we picked some of our early-ripening white grapes; Sauvignon Blanc from our Jardine Vineyard, as well as Verdelho and Vermentino from our Huerhuero Vineyard. These three varieties in addition to Viognier from our Huerhuero Vineyard were blended to create our inaugural vintage of WHITE4.
The temperatures quickly cooled down, and harvest activities came to a halt. The cooler temperatures in the middle of September were helpful. By slowing down the ripening process, the grapes were able to get more hang time, developing more complexity and balance in the process. A surprisingly early frost in October made us expidite the picking of the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Overall, this was an interesting vintage with definite challenges, yet, the wines of 2008 will deliver lots of flavor and ripe tannins. A very enjoyable vintage across the board with cabernets worth aging.
2008 Chardonnay
Monterey
Light gold in color with aromas of pineapple, tropical fruit and baked pear with toasty spices. Full bodied and complex with a touch of oak and hints of tropical fruits; fresh and clean with a long finish.
2008 Sauvignon Blanc
Jardine Vineyard
Brilliant yellow hue with aromas of melon, ripe pear and lychee; dry, medium bodied white wine with a rich creaminess on the palate with flavors of honeysuckle and stone fruit; bright and refreshing with well balanced acidity.
2008 Viognier
Huerhuero Vineyard
Light delicate gold in color with fragrant aromas of dried apricot and ripe peach with notes of honeysuckle and oak. Lively and dry; shows plenty of substance with ripe peach and pear.
2008 WHITE4
Blend of Vermentino, Verdelho, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc
Brilliant, light golden straw with aromas of stone fruit, fresh apricot and ripe pear. Rich medium bodied with a creamy mouth feel and a crisp, refreshing finish.
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Huerhuero - Estate
Garnet, with aromas of red fruit, cherries and red currants, hints of oak and spice. A medium bodied, lively wine with delicated red fruit and a balanced finish.
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Mountain Road Reserve
Bright garnet; aromas of noble wood, dried herbs with hints of spice and almond. A complex, well integrated Cabernet; good structure with an elegant oak finish.
2008 Fore
Petite Sirah
Deep, inky garnet in color with aromas of ripe plums and notes of black pepper and star anise. A wine with a luscious texture, soft tannins, balanced acidity, and a long finish.
2008 Halter Ranch
Meritage
Deep, black cherry in color with aromas of ripe, jammy fruit with notes of clove, anise, and plum. A balanced red wine, medium bodied with soft tannins and ripe fruit.
2008 Petite Sirah
Jardine
Intense garnet with aromas of spice and black fruit with notes of nutmeg and fig. A full-bodied, balanced wine with dark ripe fruit and silky tannins.
2008 Petite Sirah
Creston Valley Vineyards
Garnet in color with aromas of fresh red fruit, raspberry and sweet, and toasty oak. A medium bodied, elegant, round mouth feel with lingering chalky tannins on the finish.
2008 RED4
Blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre
Bright garnet with aromas of vibrant dark and red fruit with notes of blackberry and raspberry; hints of cinnamon and floral character. Savory, medium bodied; good structure with soft tannins. A wine with a pleasant approach.
2008 Ryan Road
Syrah
Deep garnet red in color. Aromas of toasty cedar with notes of dried fig and camphor. Rich and velvety texture; fine grain tannins balanced by ripe fruit with a very long finish.
2008 Signature
Estate Cuvée, Petit Verdot based blend
Opaque garnet in color; aromas of smoky black fruit with notes of minerality and hints of violets. Full-bodied with layers of flavors, hearty tannins and a balanced finish.
2008 Suendero
Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot blend
Deep garnet; aromas of spicy cedar with integrated notes of black fruit and vanilla bean. An elegant wine with sweet tannins and a very long finish.
2008 Syrée
Syrah based blend
Dark ruby with ripe dark fruit aromas and notes of rosemary and mocha. A full-bodied blend with firm tannins and a long finish.