For over 30 years, three generations of Sebastianis have partnered with Sam Balakian, a local Paso Robles grape grower, to craft high-quality varietal wines for California appellation blends. Project Paso is their effort to share Paso Robles’ rustic character. What started out as a small partnership has now come to fruition with these wines. To pay homage to all the work their families have done over the past three decades, they felt it only proper to keep the name “Project Paso.”
From the Wine Maker – “There is a vast complexity of flavors and aromas in this wine, driven by the unique Paso Robles soils and the blend of three Zinfandel vineyards. The nose opens up with dried fruit and concentrated blueberry aromas, with white pepper, warm Indian spices, and a touch of gaminess rounding out the background. This wine is similarly complex on the palate, with chocolate-covered cherry flavors balanced by old vine spice and a hint of sweet cigar. Earthy, medium-bodied, with a touch of minerality, this varietally correct Zinfandel gets its depth from Paso’s red soils. Light, dusty tannins frame the finish, with hints of espresso bean and sour cherry.”
This Zinfandel comes from three different vineyards in Paso Robles, and is blended with a single-vineyard Petite Sirah for added color and texture. Picked ripe after a very cool growing season, the resulting balance and lower alcohol make for a great food pairing with chicken mole enchiladas, Mexican spice rubbed pork shoulder, or almost anything off of the barbecue, served with homemade baked beans.
Rating:
This wine was given a 83 point rating by Wine Spectator.
Availability:
2009 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $13.99 a bottle, $75.55 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $134.31 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#27648
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