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Wine Recommendation
Robert Hall Winery
2004 Syrah(Paso Robles)
Shopping center developer Robert Hall’s interest in wine was fueled by trips to France, particularly the Rhone Valley. So when he moved to Paso Robles and decided that founding a winery was more interesting than retirement, he wanted to focus on Rhone varietals. Thus, Syrah is a big part of the portfolio.
This 2004 Syrah, which also contains a little Mourvedre and Merlot, is from three Robert Hall estate vineyards on Paso’s east side: Terrace Vineyard, which has loamy soils; Home Vineyard, which has a lot of clay; and Bench Vineyard, composed of decomposed granite soils.
Winemaker Don Brady strives to make wines that are true to type, without overwhelming alcohol. He’s succeeded here: This Syrah is opulent without being over the top, with luscious, ripe flavors of blackberry and black raspberry, accented by notes of chocolate, spice and smoke. There’s good tannic structure, but the tannins are approachable rather than harsh. And the alcohol is 14.3 percent – modest by Paso Robles standards. I’d happily pair this wine with a steak, a cheeseburger, maybe a grilled pork tenderloin. Actually, you could drink it with almost anything hearty, and it will cost you just $18.
Reviewed January 9, 2007 by Laurie Daniel.
Other reviewed wines from Robert Hall Winery
The Wine
Winery: Robert Hall Winery |
The Reviewer
Laurie Daniel
Laurie Daniel, wine columnist for the San Jose Mercury News, has been reviewing wine for more than 10 years. She doesn’t use numbers, preferring to describe her recommended wines and let consumers decide for themselves. Laurie believes that bigger isn’t necessarily better; she’s partial to wines of balance, finesse and character. Her particular interests are Pinot Noir (versions that really taste like Pinot, that is) and aromatic whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. |