Paso Creek Wines - Bold Character Derived from Stubborn Patience
The Paso Robles appellation, located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in the heart of the Central Coast, is marked by dramatic temperature swings-the widest of any appellation in California-and poor soil.
19/09/07 Icon Estates announces a new addition to its portfolio of fine wines: Paso Creek. Paso Creek's inaugural 2005 vintage offers Paso Creek Cabernet Sauvignon and Paso Creek Merlot-bold, rugged wines born out of tough terrain, extreme climate swings, and the stubborn, independent spirit of small town America.
Slated for a national release October 1st, 2007 with a suggested retail price of $18, Paso Creek wines, which come from California's Paso Robles appellation, pay homage to the traditions and the pioneering spirit of the American West. "It takes some hot, dusty work and a lot of staying power to make great wine here," says Winemaker Chris Todd, "but the distinct characteristics of the Paso Creek vineyard terroir pay off in wines that are muscular, dramatic and big as a Western sky-I'm going for intense varietal character and ripe, brambly fruit."
Paso Creek's bold, juicy, full-bodied and densely flavored wines provide a glimpse into the heartland of America through the stubborn patience of the winemaking and vineyard teams, who wrest the essence of Paso out of this uniquely challenging environment. Vineyard Manager Paul Kenney explains, "At Paso Creek we work hard to craft wines with authenticity and integrity. I've been fortunate to spend more than 30 years growing wine grapes in some of California's most acclaimed growing regions. Our Paso Creek vineyard stands apart for the dense, jammy and concentrated flavors we produce here."
The Paso Robles appellation, located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in the heart of the Central Coast, is marked by dramatic temperature swings-the widest of any appellation in California-and poor soil. Kenney views these conditions as ideal for Paso Creek's bold, rugged reds. "The harsh character of our soil and the temperature extremes are what give the fruit its intensity and concentration, but it still takes a lot of hard work and careful attention to coax the very best out of our Paso grapes."
All that persistence pays off. Paso Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 shows its independent side with rich aromas of cocoa and spicy blackberries. The muscular tannins and structured mouth feel frame powerful, bold black fruit with anise and cherries on the supple finish. Paso Creek Merlot 2005 explodes with black cherry aroma and lively berry flavors, with soft but dense tannins leading to a velvety finish.
The Paso Creek label depicts the native Blue Oaks that dot the landscape of Paso Creek's 350-acre vineyard. The owl is also indigenous to Paso Robles and is a beneficial means of natural pest control, encouraged at Paso Creek with wooden owl boxes in the trees for shelter. Natural habitat is also maintained with 100 feet of open space, not planted to vineyards, around the Blue Oak trees.
Paso Creek Cabernet and Paso Creek Merlot will be available in small towns and large cities across the USA beginning October 1st, 2007.
