A couple of weeks ago I was going to Paso Robles and was looking for some new wineries to visit. I got a couple of recommendations from Riley Hubbard at L’Aventure Winery. Riley always has some great recommendations for me. One of them was Alta Colina.
I met Maggie Tillman at the Alta Colina Tasting Room. Alta Colina is owned by Maggie’s parents, Bob and Lynn Tillman. In 2003, after an extensive search for the ideal location, Bob found the beautiful hilltop property on Adelaida Road in Paso Robles that would become Alta Colina Vineyard. Nestled high in the rugged coast range mountains. 2007 was the first bottling for Alta Colina.
Maggie poured all of Alta Colina’s current releases for me. I thoroughly enjoyed all the current releases, but the two wines I enjoyed the most were the 2008 Claudia Cuvée and the 2007 Old 900 Syrah.
The 2008 Claudia Cuvée is a white Rhone-style blend of 58% Marsanne, 21% Roussanne, and 21% Grenache Blanc from their 130 acre estate vineyard (with 31 acres planted) located on 2 hilltops adjacent to the winery on the Westside of Paso Robles.
The Claudia Cuvée is dominated by its brilliant color, minerality, and crisp Fuji apple flavors. Toasty oak notes with a hint of pear is also show through. This wine will evolve in the next year to highlight aspects of apricot and honey.
Alta Colina Vineyard produces world-class estate wines exclusively from Rhone varieties grown at our vineyard. Scott Hawley consults on the winemaking. Scott is the winemaker at Jada Vineyard & Winery, as well as his own label, Torrin Vineyard.
14% alcohol and 248 cases produced.
For more information on Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery, visit out their website at: www.altacolinawine.com
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I expected this white to be austere and unapproachable, but I was wrong. It’s very drinkable and goes well with cheese (no, it’s not a red) and lots of other foods. A real bargain for a top notch Rhône white from Paso.