Outstanding, yet a touch less impressive (and more expensive), the 2012 Roussanne James Berry Vineyard is 100% Roussanne and was aged half in concrete and half in barrel. Showing plenty of lemon and peach fruit, lees, fresh creme and toast on the nose and palate, it is a rich, rounded effort that has juicy acidity and solid richness. Enjoy it over the coming couple of years. Drink now-2016.
One of my favorite estates, Cris Cherry’s Villa Creek is located on the western side of Paso Robles, high up off Peachy Canyon Road. He continues to experiment with Rhone and increasingly Spanish (think Rioja and Priorat) varieties, as well as with varying amount of whole-cluster inclusion. The wines offer singular, unique profiles, with loads of flavor and character.
Tel. (805) 238-7145; www.villacreekwine.com