We’re getting into the darkest a part of the winter season, which suggests it’s time to pull out some deep reds and hold by the fireside for quite a lot of hours whereas the snow/ice/wind do their factor outdoor. Which brings us to this explicit trio of wines. Set alongside the west aspect of Paso Robles, Halter Ranch has been placing out virtually two dozen varietals for over twenty years, however this seems to be the primary time we’ve had the chance to formally assessment their output.
2020 Halter Ranch Ancestor – A mix of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Petit Verdot, and 20% Malbec that’s large and burly proper from the onset, with notes of blackberry and cassis that segue gracefully into darkish chocolate and currant on the palate. The tannins are well-integrated and convey to the forefront the affect of the oak the place this wine aged for 16 months. It’s a disgrace I didn’t obtain this earlier than the publication of our Prime 10 Wines for Winter 2024 checklist, as Ancestor’s inclusion would have been a no brainer. This might be an absolute crowd-pleaser at a swank vacation obligation with mates or household, however I couldn’t inform you for sure: the bottle was empty earlier than I knew it. A / $85
2019 Halter Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon – One other mix, this time comprising 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot. A much less burly wine than its Ancestor sibling, with full of life notes of black cherry, raspberry and milk chocolate up entrance tempered with a slight contact of graphite because it unfolds within the glass. The palate is the place this actually shines and delivers, unfolding with layer after layer of darkish fruit, chocolate, and a slight trace of oak for nuance. It’s one price cellaring for a couple of extra years, however that is definitely able to be loved instantly. A- / $65
2020 Halter Ranch CDP – And now for one thing utterly totally different: a mix of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 13% Mourvèdre, and a pair of% Tannat. This can be a detour from already travelled roads right here, however it’s definitely a welcome one. Mild aromas of cherry, vanilla, and strawberry transition to a palate of pomegranate, baking spice, and a lingering notice of toffee on the end. It definitely stands by itself two ft whereas consumed solo, however actually shines when paired with a beneficiant portion of grilled meat. B+ / $55
2020 Halter Ranch CDP
$55
