Bodegas Paso Robles‘Azul’ Red 2014

Bodegas Paso Robles wines are made with grape varietals used in Spanish and Portuguese winemaking. Their winemaker, Dorothy Schuler, strives for an artistic balance of the ancient craft of winemaking — one of the oldest professions in the world — with the new world's love of innovation. This 2014 Red is a blend of equal parts Monastrell (also known as Mourvèdre), Graciano, and Tempranillo. Dorothy started the fermentation process in open-top fermenters, with manual punch downs three times daily and did secondary fermentation in barrel. Aged in oak for 22 months, each of the three grapes contributes a different element to the new Azul. The earthy flavors on the nose speak to the Monastrell (Mourvèdre). Flavors of cassis and blueberry from the Graciano are complemented by a complex blend of spices (cinnamon and nutmeg) with sweet spice from the Tempranillo, which also provides the traditional stone fruit flavors of plum and cherry. Chocolate and spice linger on the long finish. 172 cases were produced.