2000 Pipestone Melange

[Innkeeper]

2000 Pipestone Vineyards, Estate Grown, Paso Robles, Melange ($19 at winery). Grown, produced and bottled by Pipestone Vineyards; are you happy Foodie? Weighed in at 13.9% alcohol; but you would never know it. If there is one place where American terroir is being firmly established, it could very well be the "Westside" of Paso Robles (sorry TJ). Though this wine is not typical (you can count the Rhone Rangers in Paso on one hand), it is very representative.

The wine is made from Grenache Noir (70%), Syarh (20%), and Mourvedre (10%). You might call it a typical Southern Rhone wine, but I would call it a fantastic California Rhone Ranger. If you don't know the difference, you need to do some comparitive tasting.

Each of the grapes contribute intense flavor. That is why they call their Grenache, Grenache Noir. Should mention their barrels too, because they had just recoverd from their rolling, when we visited in January. They use around 20% new American and 10% new French barrels to age their Syrah and Grenache.

At any hoo, the wine gives you a rush of fruit that was almost unbeliveable on the nose and upfront. More complex fruit and slightly tangy spice cross the palate with smooth tannin. It finishes fantastically.

After lifting another glass to the Gipper (not sure the winemaker would approve!), we matched it with broiled (on a hot night!) Smithsfield Kielbasa, hash browns, and salad in blue cheese dressing; while watching the State Funeral. So good, it made us sob.

Would buy a box if they would ship.

[tandkvd]

Sounds great IK.

[Thomas]

Estate Grown--music to my eyes...