We wrapped up the late summer Decanting Monterey Wine Pod visit to Paso Robles with a lunch tasting at Halter Ranch. What a perfect spot for great food and big reds just the way we like them. While we enjoyed a delicious lunch, our server Kennedy gave us an exceptional presentation of the wines being tasted that day.
I really appreciated the recognition as an industry person and the corresponding discount. Those not-so-small gestures help make this not-for-profit blog possible! I’d go back again for this experience in a heartbeat.
ABOUT HALTER RANCH
“Set along the westernmost boundaries of Paso Robles, California, surrounded by the wild, and wide-open Santa Lucia Mountain Range of the Central Coast, Halter Ranch is a 2,700-acre organic nature estate dedicated to land, art, and legendary terroir-driven wine made with the finest organic grapes. Envisioned by Swiss entrepreneur, philanthropist, and world-leading land conservationist, Hansjörg Wyss, the estate is an homage to his mother, Alice Halter, and a haven for the natural world to flourish and deliver exceptional, timeless wines.
You can read more about Halter Ranch and its 100% estate and organic wines here.
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 6 Halter Ranch wines. There were two tastings: the Ranch Flight and the Silver Label Flight – we chose the latter. Winery notes come from our server, the bottles, and their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2016 Halter Ranch Cuvée Alice Estate Reserve, Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 14.9% ABV, $150 (#1200) 66% Grenache, 19% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah, 2% Tannat
Winery Notes: This is a GSM with the addition of Tannat. Their most expensive wine is named in honor of the owner’s mother, Alice.
My Review: Dark ruby. Warm spice on the nose. Big mouthful of smooth wine. Very tasty. We liked this wine. September 2023
2020 Halter Ranch Cuvée Alice Estate Reserve, Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 14.7% ABV, $96 (#1201) 45% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 8% Tannat, 7% Mourvèdre
Winery Notes: “The 2020 Cuvée Alice has aromas of rose petals, blood orange, and bing cherry. The entry is soft, supple, and inviting to the palate with flavors of dragon fruit, raspberry, and mulled spices. The vibrant acid and low tannin structure makes this wine a perfect option for pairing with food, and equally a wine that will age gracefully.”
My Review: Darker, slightly purple in the glass. Alcohol followed by vegetal notes on the nose. Dark red fruits on the palate. Austere, yet fairly complex, ending with some leather, orange and smoke. Grape blend is very balanced. September 2023
2020 Halter Ranch Estate Reserve Block 22 Syrah, Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 14.8% ABV, $88 (#1202)
Winery Notes: “The 2020 Block 22 Syrah has aromas of blueberry, ripe plum, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The entry is rich and juicy, driven by flavors of elderberry, raspberry, and boysenberry preserve. The mid palate has length and acidity, balanced by soft, supple tannins that lead to a clean, food-friendly finish.”
My Review: Inky purple in color. A lot of legs in the glass. Smoked ham on the nose. Yummy big rich, dark fruit with lots of coffee and chocolate. A little orange oil and caramel on the finish. Sweet. A big wine. We took a lot of this wine home but wish we had taken more! We have enjoyed this several times since! September 2023
2019 Halter Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 14.1% ABV, $65 (#1203) 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot
Winery notes: “The 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of black cherry, red currant, cassis, and a touch of pencil lead. The palate is soft and rich, exuding flavors of raspberry, blueberry, and a hint of cocoa. Lengthy, integrated tannins lead to a seamless finish.”
My review. Garnet in color. Dark fruit and alcohol on nose. Tasty palate, a touch sweet. It’s fine. September 2023
2020 Halter Ranch Estate Reserve Tannat, Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 14.5% ABV, $92 (#1204)
Winery Notes: “The 2020 Reserve Tannat has aromas of clove, cardamon, black tea and dark fruits. The entry is juicy and textured, driven by flavors of blackberry, black currant, and a mix of baking spices. The integrated mid palate and finish bring structure, tannin and length to an age-worthy wine for your cellar.”
My Review: Inky in the glass. Smooth, dark fruit on the nose. I really liked this wine. September 2023
2019 Halter Ranch Estate Reserve Ancestor, Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, $85 (#1205)
Winery Notes: “The 2019 Ancestor showcases aromas of red currant and dark chocolate along with subtle hints of cinnamon and clove. The entry is soft and rich with layered flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and dark cherry. The mid- palate is thick and mouth coating with balanced acid. The finish is framed by integrated tannins and delicate flavors of caramel and truffle.”
My Review: Garnet/purple in the glass. Dark fruit on the nose. Big cab flavors on the palate. Reminds us of a Rombi cab. More refined than a Malbec. Would make an excellent mystery wine. Katrina would like this wine. I think if we opened this wine at home, we would really like it. So, we took some home. September 2023
THE TASTING ROOM
Halter Ranch has a range of experiences including lunch, tastings, and tours. You can explore your options here. It is located at 8910 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles and is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch is served 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We think you, too, would enjoy a lunch tasting at Halter Ranch!
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