Vina Robles was founded in the late 1990’s and has long been a source for very good wines, such as the Vina Robles Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, that also present excellent value. Their range includes wines from both Bordeaux and Rhone varieties, some estate blends others vineyard designates.

Over the years, Vina Robles has expanded its facilities substantially and it’s an excellent stop for wine tourists, but also a community resource. In addition to the very large tasting room there are conference facilities with a dedicated kitchen and more. A few years ago, Vina Robles added a concert amphitheater and has been pulling in excellent acts.

2014 Vina Robles Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 91+ 14.6% 750ml $26

The nose on this young, ruby-purple hued wine is a little tight, but shows attractive with dark fruit, oak and coconut. The palate is more generous with concentrated flavors of semi-dark chocolate, black currant, tangy black cherry, dark mineral and toasted oak that linger on considerably. The fruit is properly ripe, nicely sweet. Body is medium plus with fine, satisfying tannins and there is enough juiciness for balance. The 2014 Vina Robles Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a very nice wine, excellent value and will age for several years as well.

83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot.

2015 Vina Robles Estate Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles 88 14.5% 750ml screw cap $16

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is from Vina Roble’s Jardine Vineyard northeast of the airport in Paso Robles’ Estrella District AVA. The straw-colored wine offers aromas and flavors of pear, apple, honey, grapefruit and dried grass with moderate intensity. The palate is a viscous medium+ which transitions to a fine, silky texture with bitter minerality on the finish. An all-stainless wine, it’s a good choice for folks seeking an alternative to un-oaked Chardonnay.

2013 Vina Robles RED4 Paso Robles 87 14.9% 750ml screw cap $17

The nose on this wine is powerful and very enticing with rich blackberry, black cherry, licorice and a hint of kalamata olive. The medium-bodied palate doesn’t follow up with similar concentration or complexity though and it also fades on the second day. Tannins are fine with both soft and grainy textures. The blend is 41% Petite Sirah, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 9% Grenache.

Copyright Fred Swan 2016. Photo courtesy Vina Robles. All rights reserved.