San Juan Creek - Wine Region of the Day

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 One of the eleven sub appellations in the Paso Robles Viticultural area this viticultural area is located along San Juan Creek, a tributary to the Estrella River.  The source of the creek is the Temblor Range that runs from the northwest to the southeast in San Luis Opisbo and Kern Counties.  The viticultural area follows the creek from Shandon and then along the steep canyons of the Temblor Range.  The region is shielded from marine influence by both the Temblor and Santa Lucia Ranges with elevations ranging from 980 to 1,600 feet above sea level.  The area has a more continental climate that is warmer and drier than the surrounding regions.  San Juan Creek receives approximately 10.4inches of precipitation per year and receives nearly 3,400 Growing Degree Days which makes it ideally suited for warmer climate grapes such as those from the Rhone Valley, Italy, Spain and Portugal such as Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel The soils are formed from the alluvium that was formed by the San Juan Creek, the Cholame Creek and the Estrella River valleys.

Santa Margarita Ranch - Wine Region of the Day

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The Santa Margarita Ranch AVA is the most southern portion of the original Paso Robles appellation.  The Santa Margarita Ranch started as an agricultural satellite location for the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Mission, was responsible for producing wheat and wine grapes beginning in 1774.  The mission was then known as Santa Margarita de Cortona Asistencia.  It was later identified as a rancho or land grant.

The area is found between the La Panza and Santa Lucia Mountains in the Santa Margarita Valley with the Salina River running throughout.  The elevations in the appellation range from 900 feet at the riverbank to 1,400 feet at the highest point.  Santa Margarita Ranch receives moderate marine influences with ocean breezes coming through the Cuesta Pass but these are less than the air currents in the Templeton Gap AVA further downstream.  Santa Margarita Ranch averages 29 inches of precipitation per year, more than the majority of the Paso Robles sub-appellations as a result of these breezes and also because of the elevation of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

The majority of vineyards in the environs are found on the valley floor where cooler temperatures tend to pool.  There is a small aquifer in the area that is used for frost protection as well as irrigation.  The soils overlaying this basin consist of alluvial loams and gravels and some clays created from the surrounding Monterey shale, Santa Margarita sandstones and older Cretaceous rocks.  Grapes being produced in the region include: Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Zinfandel.

El Pomar District - Wine Region of the Day

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Another of the Paso Robles sub-appellations, the El Pomar is located in the center part of its parent.  The name, "El Pomar" means "The Orchard" and is a reference to the orchards that were initially planted in the area when it was settled in the 1880s.  The District consists of alluvial fans and old river terraces that have mixed sediments from the Monterey (marine shale), Paso Robles (non-marine mudstone and conglomerate) and Simmler (red sandstone) formations.  The temperatures are moderate and are considered ideal for Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, however there are many Rhone grapes like Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah as well.  El Pomar receives only 15 inches of rain per year but this amount is supplemented with marine breezes and fogs.

2012 Ascension Cellars Evangelist Late Harvest Viognier - Wine of the Day

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2012 Ascension Cellars Evangelist Late Harvest Viognier

$36

Our Ascension Cellars Viognier dessert wine is a whimsical wine that will gladden your heart with rich hints of peaches, caramelized pear, and honey combined with a delightful, hazelnut finish.

The Evangelist is the perfect finish or the start of something new. This wine pairs beautifully with cream blue and goat cheeses, light desserts with toasted pecans, Crème brûlée and sugar cookies.

Creston District - Wine Region of the Day

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Creston District by David Toomey for Qorkz.

One of the eleven Paso Robles sub-appellations, the Creston DIstrict is located in the southern portion of its parent.  It is an eroded plane at the base of the La Panza Range.  The soils are made from the alluvial terraces and fans from the three branches of the Huerhuero Creek and are a mix of granites and sedimentary rocks. The region has elevations of 1,000-2,000 feet about sea level and averages 11.5 inches of rain per year.  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel are the most commonly planted grapes.

2013 Ascension Cellars Soul Shaker Bordeaux Blend - Wine of the Day

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 2013 Ascension Cellars Soul Shaker Bordeaux Blend

$66

Incredibly inky hue with layers of perfumed plum, dark berries, cedar, mocha, coffee, and graphite aromas followed by hints of spice box. The texture on the palate is ultra-concentrated and silky with blackberry flavors and a touch of pepper, cocoa and Indian spice leading to the lush, lingering and focused finish that echoes on the palate. Enjoy now or be rewarded if allowed to cellar for 5 years or more.

2013 Soul Shaker compliments medium to sharp cheddar cheeses, roasted pork, braised short ribs, grilled steaks, prime rib, filet mignon, lamb, hearty stews and the company of dear friends.

Paso Robles Willow Creek District - Wine Region of the Day

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Paso Robles Willow Creek District by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Just west of the City of Paso Robles and located between the Adelaida District and the Templeton Gap District is the Paso Robles Willow Creek District.  Marine breezes are a strong force in the district with substantial rainfall (24-30 inches per year) and fog commonly found in the area.  The temperatures in the region are cooler than the majority of the main viticultural area, averaging 2,900 growing degree days.  The coolness of the area, slows down the speed at which the fruit ripens allowing the maximum of flavors and sugars to develop.  The Willow Creek District is located around three tributary creeks of the Paso Robles Creek.  These creeks have helped erode and blend the shales, mudstones and sandstones of the Monterey Formation with the coarse sands and gravels of the Paso Robles Formation.  This alluvial mix is slightly alkaline with low water holding potential and of moderate nutrient value.   

Bordeaux and Rhone grape varietals are the most commonly grown in the Paso Robles Willow Creek District.

2013 Nobelle Wines Rosé de Carmenère - Wine of the Day

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2013 Nobelle Wines Rosé de Carmenère

$9.99

‘The lost Bordeaux varietal’ thrives well here in Paso. Thirteen year old vines at Colbert Vineyards yielded about 3 tons/acre. Hand picking and quick delivery brought the fruit to the winery in perfect condition.  A saignee was made a few hours after crushing; we then moved the precious juice into neutral french oak barrels where it aged for 8 months.  A rarity with a very jammy nose, red fruits characteristics and good acids, to our knowledge it is the only carmenere rose that you’ll find in Paso Robles. 

Templeton Gap District - Wine Region of the Day

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Templeton Gap District by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

The Templeton Gap District is nestled between the Paso Robles Willow Creek District and the El Pomar District near Templeton, California.  The Templeton Gap consists of a series of mountain passes created by rivers and creeks in the Santa Lucia Range through which marine air flows into the region.  This is referred to as a water gap in Geology.  The name “Templeton Gap” was coined by Ken Volk of Wild Horse Winery to describe the area and has since been adopted by the fellow winemakers and the local real estate industry. 

The Templeton Gap is the coolest climate of the Paso Robles sub-appellations and receives approximately 20 inches of precipitation per year. The water gap allows marine influences to enter the region which moderate the daily temperatures and increase the amount of time that it takes for grapes to ripen.  The elevations in the area range from 700 to 1,800 feet above sea level with the majority of the wineries located between 800 and 940 feet.

The location of the vineyards is largely along the wide terraced banks of the Paso Robles Creek and Salinas River.  The soils were created by alluvium of the Monterey Formation and are largely made up ofsilty and clay loans though there are some older soils produced from the Paso Robles Formation that are more cemented and shaly.  Grapes produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Charbono, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier and Zinfandel.

2013 Nobelle Wines Carmenère - Wine of the Day

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2013 Nobelle Wines Carmenère

$39

This varietal has a light and delicate perfume. The density of the wine is very interesting, a lot of weight, followed by long and smooth spice. It will go perfectly with a rack of lamb with rosemary or similar, the simpler the better!  

Colbert in San Miguel is one of the only vineyards to carry the varietal in the region. Carmenère always ripens late; mid-October to mid-November is the usual picking time. The leaves turn black in fall, which is very surprising and rare! 100% Carmenère.

Paso Robles - Wine Region of the Day

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Paso Robles

Photo of Paso Robles by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

Paso Robles received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Sitting on 666,618 acres in San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles is home to eleven sub-districts, including: Adelaida District, Creston District, El Pomar District, Paso Robles Estrella District, Paso Robles Geneseo District, Paso Robles Highlands District, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, San Juan Creek, San Miguel District, Santa Margarita Ranch, and Templeton Gap District. By far the largest region in San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles has over 19,000 acres under vine. The region features a mixture of silica clay and chalky lime soils. Closer to the Pacific, the western edge of Paso Robles has warm daytime temperatures, often topping 90 degrees during the peak of the growing season. The grapes are cooled by the maritime breezes coming in off the Pacific Ocean. Moving east across the region, the climate becomes more aired and drier than its western counterpart. In the east, fruit ripens more quickly than in the west, giving it bright flavors with low acidity and tannin structure. The more famous western region features a longer growing season allowing the fruit to take its time to ripen and develop a balance of acidity and tannin. Cabernet Sauvignon is the varietal that is most prevalent in the eastern regions of Paso Robles while Rhone varietals such as Viognier and Syrah dominate the west. In all, there are over 40 grape varietals grown in Paso Robles, and the region has become well known for its blends.

Adelaida District - Wine Region of the Day

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Adelaida District

Photo of the Adelaida District by David Toomey for Qorkz.

One of the eleven sub-appellations of the Paso Robles AVA, the Adelaida District is located in the northwestern portion of its parent.  Famously farmed by Polish musician and statesman, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Adelaida experienced its post-prohibition rebirth in the 1960s.  Largely mountainous, this geography has helped create a unique location by protecting the district from cool ocean breezes and allowing cool evening air to slide down the slopes.  These protection gave Adelaida a consistent daytime temperature while preventing overnight frosts.  Tectonics introduced a portion of limestone from the coast to be mixed into the sandstones, mudstones and slates to create colluvial soils that allowed good drainage that could hold sufficient moisture to encourage growth. Temperatures are similar to those of Bordeaux and the Rhone and grapes from those regions thrive here.

2012 Nobelle Wines Grenache/Syrah - Wine of the Day

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2012 Nobelle Wines Grenache/Syrah

$28

Kiler Canyon is home to some of the best syrah in the county; it shares a fence line with Terry Hoag Cellars a well-established winery and a big syrah house as well. Conditions were ideal! A mild leaf thinning had to be done in August to get full sun exposure and good ventilation against potential mildew.

Impressive coffee bean scent when you open the bottle, follow by toasted bread and nutty aromas. The mouthfeel is soft and velvety, but the tannins are strong. Thanks to the syrah, a long acidity from the grenache makes the finish linger. A solid red with at least a 10 year aging potential.

Paso Robles Estrella District - Wine Region of the Day

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PASO ROBLES ESTRELLA DISTRICT

Photo of the Paso Robles Estrella District by David Toomey for Qorkz

The Paso Robles Estrella District is another of the eleven sub-appellations of the Paso Robles viticultural area.  The AVA is located in the northeastern portion of its parent and surrounds the Estrella River. The topography of the region begins mountainous and elevations decrease and even out into the floor of the river valley.  The elevations in the District range from 745 to 1,819 feet above sea level though the wineries are largely found from 1,000 to 1,600. 

The climate is moderately warm making the region ideal for Rhone varietals.  Marine influences and air flows due to elevation also moderate the temperatures which makes the region good for Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  The rainfall amounts range from 12.5 to 15.5 inches per year but are supplemented by the fogs brought into the region from the ocean air. The soils of the District are also effected by the its topography.  The soils of the region are alluvial and have low fertility but enough drainage to allow the roots of the vines to establish themselves and enough clay to help maintain moisture. 

Monterey - Wine Region of the Day

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MONTEREY

 Monterey viticultural area by David Toomey for Qorkz

The Monterey region received its AVA designation in 1984. Monterey is a larger region and contains the sub-appelations of Arroyo Seco, Hames Valley, San Bernabe, San Lucas, and the Santa Lucia Highlands. The region covers over 100 miles and spans from Monterey Bay to Paso Robles. The majority of the production in Monterey is Chardonnay, but Pinot Noir Merlot, and Riesling are also produced here.

Paso Robles Highlands District - Wine Region of the Day

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PASO ROBLES HIGHLANDS DISTRICT

Photo of the Paso Robles Highlands District by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Paso Robles Highlands District is the most southeast sub-appellation within the Paso Robles AVA.  The district was first settled in the 1880s when the name "Highlands" was assigned to the school district east of Creston. The topography is, as expected, does consist of uplands and canyons which have a more continental climate (think more season variation instead of overall moderate temperatures).  Despite this, the Winkler scales rates this area as a low region IV, making it more like Spain with an emphasis on those grape varietals.  While temperatures in the AVA may be high the lows may be as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit which slows the ripening rate of the fruit on the vine and allows flavors and sugar to develop.  

Ascension Cellars rapture Red Port-Style Dessert Wine - Product Of The Day

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2012 ASCENSION CELLARS RAPTURE RED PORT-STYLE DESSERT WINE

$ 36.00

GOLD MEDAL – 2015 ORANGE COUNTY WINE COMPETITION

SILVER MEDAL - 2015 SOMMELIER CHALLENGE WINE COMPETITION

5% OFF OF A PURCHASE OF 6-11 BOTTLES

10% OFF THE PURCHASE OF A CASE.

$1.00 SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OF 6 BOTTLES OR MORE TO CA

$9.99 SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OF 6 BOTTLES OR MORE SHIPPED OUTSIDE OF CA

This wine is not available in stores. Exclusively available for residents of California, Florida, Texas, or those with a California based wine locker. 

TASTING NOTES

This Ascension Cellars fathomless, deep violet, unfiltered Primitivo dessert wine boasts aromas of ripe fig, caramel, dried, dark black fruit, violets and cocoa. Rich flavors of red and blackberry fruit dominate the palate along with hints of cinnamon and clove, culminating in a scintillating finish.

Rapture, the perfect start to conversations or that last kiss goodnight, pairs delightfully with Crème brûlée, brownies, molten chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Varietal: Primitivo Port-Style Dessert Wine
Vineyard: Frankel Vineyards, Paso Robles, California USA
Year: 2012
Blend: Primitivo
Alcohol: 19.81
PH: 3.80
R.S.: 12.07
Size: 375 ML bottle

LIMITED PRODUCTION -  50 CASES

Taste With Winemaker Erick Allen 

2013 Nobelle Wines Carmenère - Product of the Day

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$ 39.00

VINEYARD NOTES

Colbert in San Miguel is one of the only vineyards to carry the varietal in the region. Carmenère always ripens late; mid-October to mid-November is the usual picking time. The leaves turn black in fall, which is very surprising and rare! 100% Carmenère.

WINEMAKING NOTES

Ahhh Carmenère! I never worked with it in France and always liked the Argentinian/Chilean style that was easy to achieve here, thanks to the growing conditions in 2013. The fruit came cleanly to the winery and right after crushing (less than 24 hours later) we inoculated the batch with classic Bordeaux yeast. After press we moved the wine to a Le Roi pungeon where it aged for 24 months. 76 cases produced.

TASTING NOTES

This varietal has a light and delicate perfume. The density of the wine is very interesting, a lot of weight, followed by long and smooth spice. It will go perfectly with a rack of lamb with rosemary or similar, the simpler the better!

Varietals
100/100 Carmenère
Alcohol
14.3
Bottled
2015

LIMITED PRODUCTION 55 CASES

This wine can only be shipped to:

Arkansas, California