Reminiscent of a Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape on steroids is the 2003 Willow Creek Cuvee Denner/James Berry Vineyards. The fact that wines such as this can be created in this area suggests to me there is vast untapped potential in the limestone hillsides west of California Route 101. A blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah, it is a riveting example of a personality-filled red. Huge, celestial notes of kirsch liqueur interwoven with plum, licorice, and spice box are followed by a wine with good underlying acidity, vibrancy, and definition as well as an impressively full-bodied palate. Kudos to Villa Creek for these exceptional offerings that brilliantly showcase the enormous potential of Paso Robles’ western corridor. Villa Creek Cellars is a stunning Rhone Ranger producer. In addition to the extraordinary high quality of their wines, they deserve enormous credit for their innovative packaging, blending, and unbelievably fair prices. Proprietor Chris Cherry has a restaurant of the same name in Paso Robles, and perhaps it is his sensitivity to people being able to afford good wines with their meals that keeps these offerings among California’s most compellingly priced. Tel. (805) 238-3000