Our recently published Paso Robles annual report gave high marks for the excellent drinkability of the region’s wines despite their high alcohol levels. The fresh acidity we found in many of the reds we rated highly beat the drum for balance and energy while also showing impressive phenolic ripeness. And the top cabernets are flavorful yet classy and typical, while Paso’s great Rhone offerings are rich, spicy and full of verve.
But that doesn’t end the Paso story. For savvy consumers who pinch pennies to keep their everyday wine stocks up, Paso Robles is one region that truly delivers on value and diversity.
From the lighter, varietal wines made from lesser-known Rhone and Mediterranean grapes such as counoise, cinsault and valdiguie (once known as Napa gamay in California), all the way to the generous and flattering zinfandel and rich and brooding petite sirah, Paso Robles wines comprise almost every style from the 60 grape varieties grown there. And many of these grapes thrive in Paso’s ancient soils, of which the amount of calcium-rich, calcareous clay is second to none.
The proximity to the ocean breezes in the western and southern part of Paso brings cooling air and fog to the vineyards, where the climate, by and large, is still defined as II-III on the Winkler Scale – or medium-warm according to the classification system for wine regions that looks at the number of degree days in the growing season to guide vintners in predicting maturation of specific grape varieties. Further to the east of Paso, the climate gets even warmer, which is one of the reasons Paso Robles can be so open-minded about grape diversity and styles: you have to be prepared for variety.
That said, cabernet sauvignon still dominates the 16,500 hectares of Paso’s vineyards, taking slightly more than half of the total plantation. The generic 2019 cabernet sauvignons from Vina Robles and Firestone Vineyard are among the best values we found this year for Paso cabernets at a $20 price point.
My Favorite Neighbor San Luis Obispo Harvey and Harriet Red Wine Blend 2020, made by Eric Jensen of Booker Vineyard, pushes the boundaries of Paso’s price-quality ratio to new heights, with the cabernet- and syrah-based blend sourced from Paso and beyond. It is a rich, flavorful, yet finely crafted red made in honor of Jensen’s parents. Few cabernet-blends from Paso rival the value of this deep, fruit-forward red that pleases with its restrained opulence and refined, even tannins.
Zinfandel fans should take advantage of Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Paso Robles Benito Dusi Ranch 2020, one of the most exciting and consistent zinfandels we found from Paso. And for a lighter and crunchier style, Tablas Creek Vineyard’s unassuming Rhone blend of syrah, grenache, mourvedre and a splash of counoise delivers immense drinkability with its brambly red berry fruit, while the Thacher Cinsault Paso Robles 2020 is a rare but unflinching cinsault from Paso and a must-try if you you’re looking for a wine with tangy, ethereal freshness that slides into a more natural package. The value list extends to Giornata, an Italian grape specialist in the dynamic Tin City of Paso, where the bright and unassuming Barbera Paso Robles 2021 perhaps helps you digest pizza and pasta.
We hope this small list is a starting point for you to buy great value Paso Robles wines and experience the diversity coming out of the region at the moment. Enjoy!
– Zekun Shuai, Senior Editor
Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Paso Robles Benito Dusi Ranch 2020 – JS94
JJBuckley.com: $34.94
KLWines.com: $34.95
Vivino: $34.99
My Favorite Neighbor San Luis Obispo Harvey and Harriet Red Wine Blend 2020 – JS93
Wine.com: $33.99
Thacher Cinsault Paso Robles 2020 – JS93
Average U.S. Price: $35
Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2019 – JS92
Wine.com: $21.99
Firestone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2019 – JS91
Wine.com: $15.99
Giornata Barbera Paso Robles 2021 – JS91
KLWines.com: $19.95
Tablas Creek Vineyard Paso Robles Patelin de Tablas 2021 – JS91
Wine.com: $29.99
