Taste the best Paso Robles, Weds., 11/5, 5-7pm, complimentary. Not to miss tasting!
Brett’s Paso Robles Picks
Weds., 11/5, 5-7pm
in-store, complimentary
See discounted pricing on day of tasting below. This is a tasting not to miss! Thank you for your support.
A note from Brett:
The focus of this tasting is on producers who have truly shown excellence with production in the region.
These four wines offer a variety of styles and prices, but all of them represent the best of what this region has to offer.
Paso Robles has seen rapid expansion and a rise in popularity over the last twenty years. In the midst of the growth, these four wineries rise to the top of the quality pyramid in my opinion. Don’t miss this opportunity to sample four wines that define quality in Paso Robles.
We are pushing the limits on the normal Wine Wednesday price model, but I thought it was important to try the best!
2022 Denner ‘Teresa,’ Paso Robles
List Price $57.99
Special Tasting Price $52.99
Producer Information: Denner Vineyards, established by Ron Denner in 1999, has become one of the most respected estates in Paso Robles, known for crafting expressive Rhône and Bordeaux-style blends. Under winemaker Anthony Yount, the wines combine opulence with remarkable balance. “Teresa” is Denner’s flagship white blend, named after Ron Denner’s wife, and represents the estate’s dedication to elegance and texture.
Region & Climate: The Denner estate lies in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles, where calcareous shale and limestone soils, coupled with the cooling influence of the Templeton Gap, yield wines of richness and vibrant acidity.
Vintage & Variety: 2022 delivered ideal conditions for balanced ripeness and freshness. The blend typically includes Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Picpoul Blanc.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of pear, lemon curd, and honeysuckle, accented by toasted almond and crushed stone. The palate shows weight and texture balanced by bright acidity, finishing long and mineral.
Sommelier Insight: A luxurious Rhône-inspired white — creamy yet vibrant, with a Burgundian sense of depth and finesse.
Retail Appeal: One of California’s standout white blends, combining Rhône varietal richness with Paso Robles precision; excellent for collectors or fine dining pairings.
2023 Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Rouge, Paso Robles
List Price $44.99
Special Tasting Price $40.99
Producer Information: Tablas Creek Vineyard, co-founded by the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and Robert Haas, pioneered Rhône-style wines in Paso Robles. The estate is farmed biodynamically, and all wines are estate-grown from original Châteauneuf-du-Pape cuttings.
Region & Climate: Located in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, Tablas Creek’s limestone-rich, calcareous soils and maritime-influenced climate mirror the Rhône Valley’s terroir. Cool evenings preserve acidity, while sunny days ensure ripe fruit and fine tannins.
Vintage & Variety: The 2023 vintage produced vibrant, balanced wines with expressive fruit. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Counoise.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and plum, framed by garrigue, pepper, and dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with supple texture, bright acidity, and savory length.
Sommelier Insight: A classic Rhône-inspired blend that combines southern French elegance with Paso richness.
Retail Appeal: Beautifully balanced and versatile—ideal for Rhône enthusiasts and Paso drinkers alike.
2019 Booker ‘Oublié,’ Paso Robles
List Price $95.99
Special Tasting Price $86.99
Producer Information: Booker Vineyard, founded by Eric Jensen, is one of Paso Robles’ most acclaimed producers, focusing on small-lot Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines. “Oublié” (French for “forgotten”) pays tribute to the often-overlooked GSM blend.
Region & Climate: The estate sits in the Willow Creek District, where limestone soils and ocean breezes from the Templeton Gap create powerful yet refined wines.
Vintage & Variety: 2019 was a near-perfect growing season, delivering concentration and balance. The blend typically includes Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah.
Tasting Notes: Rich aromas of blackberry, kirsch, and dark chocolate layered with licorice, spice, and mineral depth. The palate is lush and full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins and lingering warmth.
Sommelier Insight: A luxurious, modern Rhône blend—decadent yet polished, showcasing Paso Robles’ signature intensity with French-inspired restraint.
Retail Appeal: A collector-level red with the pedigree and polish to rival top Rhône cuvées; an impressive bottle for dinner or the cellar.
2021 Justin ‘Isosceles,’ Paso Robles
List Price $99.99
Special Tasting Price $89.99
Producer Information: Since its founding in 1981, Justin Vineyards has become one of Paso Robles’ flagship estates, best known for Bordeaux-style reds that emphasize balance and structure. “Isosceles” is their signature cuvée, crafted to highlight Cabernet Sauvignon’s power with Merlot and Cabernet Franc’s finesse.
Region & Climate: Paso Robles’ calcareous soils and diurnal temperature swings produce ripe fruit balanced by natural acidity. Justin’s estate vineyards lie in the cooler western hills, ideal for Bordeaux varieties.
Vintage & Variety: 2021 offered near-perfect ripening conditions with bright fruit and refined tannins. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of cassis, black cherry, and mocha with graphite, cedar, and baking spice. Full-bodied yet refined, with polished tannins and a long, structured finish.
Sommelier Insight: A Paso Robles icon—Bordeaux-inspired, deeply flavored, and consistently among California’s most recognizable blends.
Retail Appeal: A proven customer favorite—rich, layered, and elegant, perfect for gifting or cellaring.
Mark your calendar: Friday, November 7, Tasting from 5-7 pm with John Abbott Young from Abbott & Wallace Distillery in Longmont, CO.
Abbott & Wallace Distillery in Longmont is one of our favorite local producers of spirits, non-alcoholic whiskey and gin, and canned cocktails. Stop by the store on Friday evening this week from 5-7 pm to meet John and taste four great products. He will be crafting a Spiced Pear Fizz using his Colorado Alpine Gin, and also a Hot Buttered Rum with the Lusca Spiced Rum. In addition, he will offer the same two drinks but substituting the Ember Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative and Jasper Zero Proof Gin Alternative. Check out these delicious craft beverages with or without alcohol – both showcasing the outstanding quality of the products coming from Abbott & Wallace.
For those looking for more, we will have the Straight Bourbon Whiskey available to try and the wildly popular Chupacabra canned cocktail featuring a blend of Cobañero Whiskey with apple, ginger, and lime juices. Delicious this time of year and perfect for bringing along on outdoor activities or for those who are simply looking for a beverage that is ready to go!
We have been longtime supporters of Abbott & Wallace and offer the majority of their products at the Boulder Wine Merchant. Swing by on Friday evening and stock up for the weekend.