2019 Toro de Paso
83% Tempranillo & 17% Garnacha
Paper Street Vineyard in Willow Creek District, Paso Robles AVA
As I’m sure you know, I love the wines of Spain. To me, Spanish wine culture is rich with the history and style of the “Old World '' of Europe, but unafraid to challenge traditions and experiment with new ways of vinifying ancient varietals. In many ways, it’s a New World wine region located in the Old World, and represents the best of both. Paso is strikingly similar to Spain, both in terms of soils and climate, as well as envelope-pushing winemaking in the “international style,” with its fearless approach to extraction and use of oak. For this wine, I’m showing off my rendition of the wines of one of my favorite regions in Spain: Toro. Technically, this wine is a Tempranillo at 83%, which brings in berries, blue and black fruits, and a meaty, leathery characteristic. In order to bring some streaks of red fruit and brightness to the wine, I’m blending in Garnacha. In order to honor the traditions of Toro, I’m using both the same clone of Tempranillo, as well as the same barrels that they use in Spain–a custom made Pentria barrel, using a full palette of French and American oak that really adds an incredible spice to the wine that you’ll not find anywhere else in Paso. Deep purple-hued, with lots of ripe dark cherry and berry fruits, it’s medium to full-bodied and has ample floral, spice, and meaty nuances, a gorgeous texture, and outstanding length. It’s certainly known as our flagship wine. Enjoy now or through 2032.