Spiced cranberry preserves, fresh thyme, crushed blackberry. Raspberry compote, sweet rose, poppyseed filling. Exceptionally concentrated and expressive eruptions of dark cherry, wild blueberry, and date lead a complex and fantastically layered display marvelously overlayed with pronounced floral notes of peonies, wildflowers, and potpourri. Bursts of undergrowth, rosemary, and sage reveal an abundance of brambly herbal character that pleasantly meshes with citrusy spice tones alongside anise, coriander, and nutmeg. Intriguing hints of cured meat and smoke gently expose playfully rugged leanings while suggestions of sandy soils, crushed limestone, and chalky minerality provide gorgeous glimmers of terroir. Exceptionally deep, robust, and multidimensional on the palate with an exciting combination of ripe fruit and savory complexity; exhibiting full-throttle concentration and richness while remaining well balanced and perfectly restrained where it counts. Full bodied with elevated tannin supported by fresh acidity. This 2019 "CDP" by Halter Ranch is a powerful yet pretty red from the Adelaida District of Paso Robles.

The French region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape has long been legendary as the source of some of the world's most concentrated and compelling red wine blends, so much so that a number of new world producers have chosen to pay homage to its wines by creating their own unique Grenache-based blends. This bottling, crafted by Halter Ranch using 60% Grenache/22% Syrah/10% Tannat/8% Mourvèdre sourced from their estate vineyard in Paso Robles, is an incredibly well made and delicious example of how at home Southern Rhone varieties are in Paso soil. This wine broods with a plump red and black-fruited core that is layered with perfumed florals, wonderful herbal notes, complex spices, and captivating earthiness. Although ready to enjoy today this boasts the structure to cellar for 5-10 years with ease, and will pair flawlessly with red meat and heartier meals. Phenomenal.