Highlights from the Rhone Rangers tasting

The Rhone Rangers, America's non-profit organization for advancing the production and enjoyment of Rhone grapes in America, hosted a tasting in L.A. this past weekend. The tasting was for any member wineries, and aimed at trade and consumers who are interested in Rhone grapes. That would be me, and should be you if you know what is good for you.

There are 22 Rhone Ranger grapes, which does include Petite Sirah (I can imagine the debate on that one), and while not all grapes were represented about 35 wineries did show up. Due to L.A.'s proximity, and the success of Rhones in the area, the tasting was heavy on Central Coast and Paso Robles wines, but a smattering of North Coast, Washington, and even Cliff Creek Cellars from Southern Oregon helped round out the show.

I came across lots of familiar favorites, as I have visited Paso several times this year, but also a few new surprises. If you are interested in learning about the joys of Rhones (these wines inspire rabid devotion by many) and want some direction in wines to seek out, here are my highlights from the tasting:

Anglim 2007 Mourvedre Hastings Ranch Vineyard - I sound like a broken record on this one, but I just love the dark fruit, coffeed earth, and white pepper. $32 from the winery.

Cliff Creek Cellars 2005 Syrah - This is not a hot weather California syrah. More restrained and medium bodied, a nice contrast at a nice price. $30 from the winery.

Curtis 2009 Heritage Blanc - A blend of viognier, roussanne, and this year some marsanne I liked 2008 a lot, and 2009 lives up. $18 from the winery

Curtis 2006 Grenache 'The Crossroads' - Berry flavors that are lush enough to make you worry they will go soft, but snap towards the end with some great acidity and structure. $25 from the winery.

Derby Wine Estates 2006 Syrah - Nice fruit, with a good bit of black pepper and spice. $26 from the winery.

Epiphany 2007 Revelation Red Blend - This wine made by Eli Parker of Fess Parker heritage, is a syrah forward blend with grenache and petite sirah. Most of the fruit comes from Camp Four Vineyard. This wine was beautifully ripe with berry flavors but structured well, and completely delicious. $35 from the winery.

Justin 2008 Savant Red Blend - Another syrah blend, from another well respected Paso Robles producer. Savant is blended with Justin's better known Bordeaux varietals cabernet sauvignon, and malbec. It is sold out at the winery but available elsewhere for around $36.

Katin 2007 Syrah, Michaud Vineyard, Chalone - One of 3 syrahs from an awesome project highlighting the grape from various locations along the West Coast. This one is the warm climate (not hot) version from Monterrey County. I am going to write about the project as a whole, but this wine is worth a purchase just to get a sense of how great the Katin syrahs are. You will have to call the winery to inquire as it is very low production, available at $45.

Koehler 2008 Viognier - A very peachy but delicious version of this ubiquitous Central Coast white Rhone, available for only $18.

Qupe 2008 Roussanne Bien Nacido Hillside Estate - Absolutely rich expression of roussanne with amazing complexity and minerality. My favorite white wine of the day, available at $30.

Qupe 2006 Syrah Bien Nacido Hillside Estate - Look, Qupe winemaker Bob Lindquist has essentially perfected the art of crafting New World syrahs that express both great fruit and great earth, spice, and savory flavors. This one for only $30 is outstanding.

Qupe 2008 'Sonnie's' Syrah Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard - A new release coming out of a new vineyard for Qupe this syrah displays the cooler fruit from the Edna Valley, and does it justice. Earthy and complex, and worth the $35 price tag.

Tablas Creek 2008 'Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc' White Blend - Rich and citrusy, this is a very bright Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Picpoul Blanc blend that is incredibly delicious and complex. Fruity, minerally, spicy, and savory this wine is available from the winery for $40.

Tercero 2007 'Cuvee Christie' Red Blend - Syrah, grenache, and mourvedre from winemaker Larry Schaffer offers red fruit and spice with noticeable structure. The quality of this wine among the peers in the room make its $28 price tag quite a value.

Tercero 2007 Mourvedre Camp 4 Vineyard - Another wine out of the Fess Parker Camp 4 vineyard, this was a earthy, dark and intriguing mourvedre. This was the wine that made me very interested in exploring more of Tercero's wines next time I am in Los Olivos. This wine is also $28.

Unti Vineyards 2006 Syrah Benchland Dry Creek Valley - Lets hear it for a Sonoma example of cooler climate syrah, with smoked meats playing throughout the dark berry fruit flavors. Available from the winery for $35.

Alright, 16 wines might seem like an unrealistic recommendation. But I did try to narrow it down from 160. Also, you should know that these are stand outs from what I was able to taste, a wine's absence from this list does NOT mean I did not like it, I may not have tasted it.

These suggestions will give you a stellar idea of what these American Rhones can be. At the very least expose yourself to Rhones, they will become a welcome part of your wine experience.