Managing Editor of Wine Spectator, Kim Marcus searches the world wine market to find fantastic, affordable wines. Wine Spectator Kim Marcus has uncovered a Spanish secret being sold at a local restaurant in his very own Queens, N.Y. neighborhood. He describes his find: “This red is from the Jumilla district in southeastern Spain and is made from the grape Monastrell,… [Continue Reading]
Wine Tasting tidbit: Wine Enthusiast Magazine reports Russian River Valley zins to be darker, more tannic than those here in Paso Robles Each growing region produces unique flavors and qualities in its wine. In the end, it is up to your mood and your palate to make the selection. Wine Enthusiast Magazine suggests zins from Napa Valley may… [Continue Reading]
Alexis Korman at Wine Enthusiast Magazine looks at the latest dessert wine trends while Hearthstone Vineyards reminds you not to skip dinner! Alexis Korman of Wine Enthusiast Magazine has recently asked Katzie Guy-Hamilton, executive pastry chef at New York Central at the Grand Hyatt, and contestant on Top Chef Just Dessert, for a bit of pairing… [Continue Reading]
Light Paso Robles Harvest Produces Exceptional, Bold Tasting Wine The 2007 growing season in Paso Robles began with a cold, dry winter. The normal rainfall and dry spring led to early bud break. In spring, soils were depleted of their water, naturally reducing yields by 30%. Additionally, the berries were small, creating a greater skin… [Continue Reading]
2007 Yielded Light Harvest for Paso Robles But Produced Great-Tasting, Well-Balanced Wine The 2007 growing season in Paso Robles began with a cold, dry winter. The normal rainfall and dry spring led to early bud break. In spring, soils were depleted of their water, naturally reducing yields by 30%. Additionally, the berries were small, creating… [Continue Reading]
Late Spring Leads To Elegant, Gradually-Ripened Grapes and Great Paso Robles Wine Tasting! The 2008 vintage was our second consecutive drought vintage here in Paso Robles. A late spring and moderate summer produced gradual ripening, with low yields, and cool-climate characteristics. Yields were down due to shatter, small cluster sets and, in some cases,… [Continue Reading]
An Ideal Paso Robles Growing Season The 2009 Paso Robles growing season began with an early bud break, due to extremely warm spring temperatures. An early April frost reduced yields and contributed to small berries and clusters. A warm consistent summer and moderate fall allowed us to pick based on flavor profile and peak ripeness.… [Continue Reading]
The Super Tuscan The term “Super Tuscan” refers to a Tuscan red wine that does not follow the rules implemented by the region, making these wines unable to qualify for DOC classification. Typically wines that do not conform to the regulations of the appellation are termed “vino da tavola”, meaning table wine and essentially a… [Continue Reading]