2016 “Revolver” - Ranchero Cellars

Ripe blueberry, green bramble, rich cranberry compote. Bruised strawberry, red pepper flakes, dark cherry puree. Dried rose and bougainvillea, parched earth and sunbaked wood. Crushed boysenberry, peach, and sweet raspberry muddle with briar and green peppercorn converging in balanced concentration and opaque density. Blackened paprika and dry soil attempt to offset saturated fruit but cannot overpower the chewy blackberry-laden attack. Pleasantly rugged with just a bit of a wild streak that manages to express feral earthy flair to back judicious ripeness. Full bodied with elevated tannin and medium acidity; well made and finely executed. This 2016 "Revolver" by Ranchero Cellars is an interesting Spanish-style red blend from Paso Robles.

The unique terroir of Paso Robles allows for a wide range of different grape varieties originating from all over the world to thrive, which in turn has set the table for many fascinating blends to be created from grapes grown in this warm climate region. This bottling, crafted by Ranchero Cellars using 55% Tempranillo and 45% Carignan sourced from within Paso Robles, is an excellent example of a Paso-spin on a blend one might encounter in Spain. While fruit-driven and amply ripe this wine contains plenty of natural spicy and wild tones that successfully bolster character and complexity. This is a fun and crowd-friendly offering that backs its agreeability with solid complexity and drive. Great work here by Ranchero Cellars on showcasing yet another strength of Paso Robles.