The HMR Vineyard, source of Adelaida Cellars Estate Pinot Noir

These 2014 Adelaida Cellars releases come from the estate vineyards, near the western edge of the Adelaida District AVA in Paso Robles and just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Frigid evening breezes are common, leading to cool mornings that can be as much as 50 degrees colder than the sunny afternoons.

The vineyards have a variety of facings and slopes as they follow the undulating contours of the hills. The HMR Vineyard, source to the Pinot Noir is in a hidden, elevated valley which collects and holds cool air. That makes it suitable for not just Pinot but also Chardonnay. The red Rhone varieties of Anna’s Vineyard are also at altitude, 1595–1,935 feet, and on a 30 degree slope. The wine-growing is certified sustainable.

2014 Adelaida Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Adelaida District, Paso Robles 90 14.3% 750ml screwcap $30

Made predominantly from a 1999 expansion in Adelaida Cellars’ historic HMR vineyard, this is a generously aromatic and flavorful Pinot Noir that is also balanced and juicy. Forward scents of cranberry, smoky red cherry, brown spice, tangerine pith and wood. The palate is medium-bodied with satin texture and viscous, grilled red cherry and brown spice. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Enjoy over the next five years. 909 cases.

2014 Adelaida Cellars Mourvedre Anna’s Estate Vineyard Signature Series Adelaida District, Paso Robles 89 15.7% 750ml $50

Aromas of candied black cherry and spice lead into a palate of medium+ body with very fine, viscous texture.  Spice, cocoa nib and plenty of very ripe cherry make up the flavors. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 23% new. Drink now through 2021. 319 cases produced.

2014 Adelaida Cellars Syrah Anna’s Estate Vineyard Adelaida District, Paso Robles 91+15.7% 750ml $40

Opaque purple in the glass with aromas of black plum jam and dark flowers. There are very fine and slightly grippy but moderate tannins on the medium+ bodied palate. Flavors include grilled black cherry, unsweetened chocolate, spice and wood. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Drink now through 2021.

Copyright Fred Swan 2016. Photo courtesy Adelaida Cellars. All rights reserved.