A birds-eye view of the vineyard home to Alta Colina Toasted Slope Syrah

I reviewed wines from Alta Colina recently, but they’ve just come out with three new releases, including the  2013 Alta Colina Toasted Slope Syrah. Alta Colina’s production volume is low, so I wanted to get these reviews out ASAP, so the wines will still be available for you.

Alta Colina is a small, family-operated winery locating high in the hills of Paso Robles’ Adelaida District AVA. Their specialty is Rhone variety wines made from estate fruit.

2014 Alta Colina Claudia Cuvée Marsanne Adelaida District, Paso Robles 90 14.9% 750ml $35

This 75% Marsanne and 25% Roussanne blend is very young and the nose is initially pretty but understated with notes of beeswax, white flowers and marzipan. After giving it plenty of air, the aromas are more generous and appetizing stone fruit takes the fore.

The 2014 Alta Colina Claudia’s Cuvée has an enjoyable, slightly viscous palate that feels like very fine silk. Body is medium+ with peach at the core and slightly bitter minerality on the finish. 140 cases produced.

2013 Alta Colina GSM Adelaida District, Paso Robles 92 15.1% 750ml $48

Smoky black cherry wafts from the glass, ahead of black plum, dark spice and dusty oak. The palate has medium+ body and plenty of fine-grained and softly chalky tannins which shorten the finish upon initial opening. Ripe, black cherry and red rope flavors fill the mouth. Decant or hold for up to four years.

68% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 12% Syrah. 370 cases produced.

2013 Alta Colina Toasted Slope Syrah Adelaida District, Paso Robles 92 15.5% 750ml $48

Opaque and inky purple, this wine balances savory and fruity elements. Crispy bacon reaches the nose first, followed quickly by black plum jam and dark spice. The intense flavors include jammy black plum, plus unsweetened chocolate, charred earth and licorice. Medium+ body and moderately juicy with fine-grained, chalky texture. Decant or hold for up to five years.

90% Syrah, 4% Mourvedre, 4% Grenache, 2% Viognier. 300 cases.

Copyright Fred Swan 2016. Photo courtesy Alta Colina. All rights reserved.