By Scott Brennan, publisher
Valentine’s Day is a great way to share and enjoy wine with your sweetheart, Whether you are planning a special dinner together or looking for the perfect gift, Paso Robles wines never disappoint. We asked local wineries to send us their recommendations and below are the favorites we selected:
Michael Gill Cellars Fleur de Xel Viognier 2013
This crisp, well balanced viognier with classic floral notes and a clean finish. Dry, while still showcasing fruit in a complex mouthfeel, this wine is easy to drink and sure to be a favorite for white wine fans.
2015 Grey Wolf Soul Mate Rosé, $22
This rosé has bright aromatics of bing cherry, raspberry, and citrus blossom, and flavors of mandarin orange, green papaya, and minerals. One of the best rosé wines I’ve had in years.
2013 Burbank Ranch Winery “Complimentary” GSM Red Blend, $42
This is a delightfully juicy grenache, syrah, mourvedre blend. Light to medium red color, aromas of ripe fruit, pleasant acidity with a pepper and herb finish that echoes the wine’s aroma.
2011 Summerwood Diosa, $60
This syrah-based Rhone-style blend presents a medium color with aromas of berry fruit. It has balanced flavors and packs a delicious syrah punch. It drinks well with dinner courses or all by itself.
2013 LXV Lover’s Spell, $55
This blend of syrah and cabernet offers soft aromas of figs and plums and delivers smooth black cherry flavors with pleasant tannins and a rich mouthfeel. It will pair well with many Valentine’s Day entrees.
2012 Pelletiere Estate Nebbiolo Riserva, $48
This tasty Italian varietal has a medium red color with dry flavors of cherry and a wonderfully clean finish. It’s a very seductive wine.
2014 Michael Gill Cellars Tempranillo Tantrum- $42
Spice up your Valentine’s day with this delicious Spanish varietal. It has dark garnet color, jammy aromas of black raspberry and violets. It tastes perfectly dry and fruity with a touch of dried black cherry. It finishes with silky tannins and medium oak.
2013 Hearst Ranch Winery “The Pergola” Petite Sirah, $30
This deep dark red wine leads with a nose of chocolate and vanilla. It tastes delicious and jammy for a petite sirah with hints of spice, smoke, stone fruits and oak. It would be great for a main course or dessert.
2013 Tackitt Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, $40
This inky purple wine offers aromas and flavors of ripe plum, blackberries and a hint of pepper. Soft tannins and gently acidity create a great mouthfeel and excellent finish. It recently won a well-deserved gold medal at the San Diego Winemakers Challenge.
Stella Rosa Imperiale Brachetto d’Acqui by San Antonio Winery, $14.95
This is a delightful aromatic semi-sweet sparkling. It displays soft ruby colors with aromas and flavors of rose petals and raspberries. It has 10-percent residual sugar to sweeten it up. It’s an excellent dessert wine for Valentine’s Day and at a great price point.
2010 Broken Earth Winery Vin de Vie, $24
This unique tasty treat, sold in a decorative bottle, is made by blending fresh grenache juice with brandy. It’s like nothing I’ve ever had, but worth trying. It has a nose of coconut and pineapple and tastes a bit like a pina colada. It’s sweet with a 17.7% alcohol. It will make a great Valentine’s day gift or fun dessert wine.
Dream Tyme Dessert Wine by Tackitt Family Vineyards, $40
Valentine’s Day won’t be complete till you end it with a dessert wine. This port-style late harvest zinfandel would be a great choice. It offers aromas and flavors of toffee, dark chocolate, and over-ripened fruit. It has 19.6-percent alcohol. Serve it with anything chocolatey.
